Marion Pete Cecil Gardner

Marion “Pete” Gardner passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 9, 2014 at 93 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne, of 54 years. Pete is survived by his daughter, Denise (Gardner) Greenfield; son, Mark Gardner and wife, Debbie; 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 1 half-sister, a brother-in-law, grandchildren; Stefanie (Greenfield) Beesley, Ashley (Gardner) Flowers, Amber Gardner, Christian Gardner; great-grandchildren Hannah, Jack, Will, Malachi, Victoria, Brenden, Jacobie, and Chloe.

During WWI, Pete built air hangers in Alabama. But for the majority of his life, he worked as a residential paint contractor and had many loyal customers. He was a strong Christian man with a lot of faith who loved being active in his church. He loved his family and he was hard working. He loved hunting, fishing, the countryside, family meals, family vacations, and birthday cake. But most of all, Pete loved God, family, and his country. He was a very patriotic man. He said you have two hands for a reason - One to give and one to receive.

Pete’s life can't be celebrated without thanking the people who helped him through his 12 year journey. Thank you Valor Hospice, LaVern McCloud, Kathy Scott, Kristen Stamey, Andrea Dawood, Derick Fossem, and Paula Avery. Special thanks to Stefanie (Greenfield) Beesley, Tracy, Jack, and Will for the quality care and love you gave him so he could leave this world with dignity and pride.

Graveside service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at 2pm on Friday, June 13, 2014. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of America or Prevent Blindness America.