Cois Chalmus Gardner, a long-time resident of Semmes, Alabama, passed away May 19, 2018, at home surrounded by his adoring family. He was born April 21, 1926, in Athens, Alabama, to Dee Arville and Rossie M. Gardner. They soon moved to Haleyville, Alabama, where Cois grew up. He served in the United States Navy, and for a time was stationed in Mobile, Alabama, where he met his bride, Willie Louise McNeil. He also served in the United States Coast Guard where he saw active duty in the Vietnam War. After retiring from military service, he worked as a captain for Warrior and Gulf Navigation in Mobile for twenty years. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time with his beloved family. He was affectionately known as Chief or Pops, and he exhibited a kind, benevolent, industrious spirit, cheerfully and willingly doing whatever was asked of him by family or friends.
He is survived by his children, Phillip Wayne (Diane) Gardner, Semmes; William D. (Martha Anne) Gardner, Daphne; Greg C. (Wendy) Gardner, Semmes; Darren R. Gardner; sister Goldie Ann (Roger) Montgomery, Pleasant Grove, AL; ten grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Rebecca Ann Gilmore; his wife of 58 years, Willie Louise; brothers Delma and Gurstel Gardner; and sisters Oma-Dee West Oliver and Zara Ruth Chandler. The family deeply appreciates the friendship and constant, loving care of his caregivers: Kristina Gardner, Patsy Graham, Pam Pope, Therese Wise, and Kat Tallman. The family will receive friends at Radney Funeral Home-Saraland on Tues. May 22, 2018 from 12pm until funeral services at 2pm. Burial will follow in Valhalla Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers are Keith Fontaine, Scott Gardner, Kristina Gardner, Mark Gardner, Neil Gardner, and Jason Cucullu. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org.
