Roddy Phil Gardner

Roddy Phil Gardner

1936 – 2015

Roddy ‘Phil’ Gardner, age 78, of Knoxville, passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. He was a long time member of the ‘Jesus and Friends’ Sunday school class at First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. In February 1976, Phil came to live at Sertoma Center where he resided until his death.

Phil, as he preferred to be called, was a happy person. He loved to joke around with others and make them laugh. Phil liked to sit in the sun and cat-nap throughout the day. He had a special chair in the dining room where he could be ‘in the middle of things’ while at the same time catching a nap. Phil’s eyes would light up in the presence of police officers. Wearing his officer badge every day was important to him.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Mildred Wise Gardner. He is survived by Bob Everett, nephew and legal conservator. Phil leaves many, many friends – especially those with whom he lived at Rivershore: Lorene, Madge, Tommy, Dinah, Carol, and Carbon. Also left to mourn are the many Sertoma staff that have provided loving and unending support and care through the years.

Family and friends will gather at the entrance to the Greenwood Cemetery at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, and proceed into the cemetery for 3:00 p.m. graveside services and internment.

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Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.

~ John Newton