Johnny Lee Gardner

"Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful." A faithful soldier has reported for reward and rest.

Johnny Lee Gardner, age 64, transitioned from this life September 17, 2015 at the Chandler Regional Hospital in Chandler, AZ.

He was born January 15, 1951, to Mr. & Mrs. Romeo Gardner Sr., in Orangeburg, SC, where he was also reared, educated and received the unconditional love and guidance of his step mother Elease Gardner.

At the age 18 he enlisted in the United States Air Force, rendering service to his country in the Vietnam War and retiring as a decorated Tech Sargent after 20 years of dedication.

In the 1970's he relocated from England to Utah where he met the love of his life at his best friend’s wedding. On March 14, 1979 he married Aretha L. Brooks. To this union were added three children.

Johnny lived a very colorful life, giving opportunity to himself to travel the world in military experience as well as to his family to live in places as beautiful as Madrid, Spain. After retirement from the USAF Johnny launched a second career as a long haul truck driver working for companies such as JB Hunt, Dick Simon Trucking and Heritage Trucking. Johnny also had an entrepreneurial spirit which led him to establishing his own businesses; he was the Owner/Operator of Gardner's Lumping Service, Gardner’s Freight Handling and Gardner's Mobile Lube.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. He loved to travel, enjoyed cooking, camping, Western movies, Star Trek, Law and Order, Jeopardy, and attending church.

He was a member of Agape Fellowship Gospel Church and served on the Deacon Board.

He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy his wife of 37 years. Four children: Johnny Lee Gardner II (Bible), Ranold L. Gardner, Skyy L. Gardner, Jonathan L. Gardner.

Grandchildren: John’nae Gardner, Isaiah Gardner, Daejuante Poole-Gardner, Jordon Gardner, Joshua Gardner, Jhawna Gardner, Akaylah Gardner and Treasure Gardner

Siblings: Romeo Gardner Jr. (Mary), Dorothy Ann Jenkins and Brenda Glover. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins family and friends.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Ethel and Sam Gardner, Melvin Gardner, Lillian Sanders and Patricia Joyner.