OBITUARY
Joseph Michael "Mike" Gardner
April 6, 1945 – August 14, 2013
Former Sullivan County Sheriff, Joseph Michael “Mike” Gardner, age 68, died on Wednesday August 14, 2013 in Athens, Alabama. A native of Camp Rucker, Alabama, Mr. Gardner was born on April 6, 1945 the son of the late Donald Lester and Cora Mae King Gardner. Mr. Gardner proudly served his country having served in the National Guard. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Eagles, Elks Club, Moose Lodge, The V.F.W., American Legion and both National & Tennessee Sheriff’s Association. He served as Sullivan County Sheriff and was the Director of the First Tennessee Region Drug Task Force and served on the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Consultant to all the Sheriffs in the State of Tennessee. Sheriff Gardner was voted “Outstanding Sheriff in 1977-1978 by Tennessee Sheriff’s Association. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his sister, Mrs. Deborah K. and husband Larry T. Roberts of Kingsport. One nephew, Landery Shane Rimer. Funeral services for Mr. Gardner will be conducted on Sunday August 18, 2013 at 2 p.m. from the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park with military rites. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 12 p.m. until the funeral hour at the funeral home. The following gentlemen will serve as active pallbearers and they include; Allan Lane, Bob Hodges, James Moffitt, John Young. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com East Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Joseph Michael “Mike” Gardner.
Services
- Funeral Services Sunday, August 18, 2013
REMEMBERING
Joseph Michael "Mike" Gardner
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYreceive updates when new memories are posted
RECEIVE UPDATESAnn Reyes
September 17, 2013
Mike was very special to so many people. His infectious smile will forever be remembered.
August 20, 2013
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you upon hearing of Mike's passing. I, too, lived on Carolina Ave. in the '50's, and have wonderful memories of Mike and all us kids playing outdoors and riding our bikes. May your fond memories and those of others help bring you peace.
Kristy Morris
August 20, 2013
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I have so many fond memories of Mike. He will be greatly missed!"
Laura & Henry
August 19, 2013
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Susan Claytor
August 19, 2013
My prayers and condolences are with all the family! Mike will be so missed!
Sissy Wiggins Martin
August 19, 2013
Debbie, I have so many fond memories of you and Mike as wonderful childhood friends on Carolina Avenue. My love and prayers for peace for you.
Barbara Albright
August 19, 2013
Debbie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It has been a long time since Carolina Ave. Special memories. John and I send our sympathy.
August 19, 2013
I am very saddened by Mike's death. We were childhood sweethearts & our mothers friends. My condolences to Debbie & family. May God's presence be of comfort to you & yours.
Ruth Carmichael
Duane Nelson
August 18, 2013
I am sorry to hear about the passing of former Sheriff Mike Gardner. I want to send my condolences to the family and my prayers and thoughts are with them during this time.
August 18, 2013
To Debbie
Sorry to hear of your loss,keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
LaWanda (Ryan) Byrd
Richard and Jeannie Kindle
August 17, 2013
We would like to offer our deepest sympathy and our warmest thoughts to your family in your most sad and sorrowful time of need. You are in our prayers and thoughts. They say that time heals all wounds but we truly believe that through our faith in God, we will heal faster and He will bring us back, full circle.
Becky Irvin
August 17, 2013
Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My prayers and thought are with you. I have such fond memories of him.
Sandra Jennings
August 17, 2013
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We know you have many wonderful memories of one so dear. Wayne and Sandra Clipse Jennings
brenda malone
August 17, 2013
to the gardner family my prayer and thought are with you all i know haven is a better place with his present there the malone family
Jeff & Donna Fraysier
August 17, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.