Brad Gardner

Brad Gardner, of 1041 Fairview Church Rd., Williamston-left this life to be united eternally with his Savior on November 27tn, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Eleanor Keel Gardner; his father and mother, Pete and Susie Gardner of Williamston; two sons- Braxton and wife Amanda of Williamston and Brantley and wife Victoria, also of Williamston; three grandchildren: logan Gardner, Ashlyn Gardner, and Gracin Harrison-Beach, all of Williamston; and four siblings: Matt, Joe, and Bill Gardner and Sue Johnson, all of Williamston.

A dedicated and loving father; grandfather, and husband- Brad was born August 25, 1955. He attended Jamesville High School and graduated in 1973. During his high school years he began farming full time and continued to do so until beginning work with the Farm Service Agency in 1986. He continued to enjoy farming part-time with family as his health would allow for several more years. During his tenure with the FSA, he served Martin, Edgecombe and Bertie Counties, retiring from the agency in 2008 as County Director in Bertie County.

Brad was a longstanding member of Fairview Christian Church, where he enjoyed fellowshipping and showing his love to his church family. Over the years he served as a deacon, a Sunday School Teacher, led worship services and served with various other ministries and services of the church and community. His family and friends noted that he fought ill health for nearly 40 years, yet still maintained a strong dedication to his immediate and extended family- extending an exuberant and outgoing personality coupled with a life-loving sense of humor. Brad possessed a strong Faith in Christ and loved to study God's word and shared those values often with his children. He was passionate when his health would allow about providing for those less fortunate or in need- whether they were local individuals or people he had never met.

A celebration of Brad's life will be held on Friday, November 30th, at 2pm at Fairview Christian Church, 1020 Fairview Church Rd, Williamston, with Josh Davenport and Reggie Braziel officiating. Interment will follow at Tice Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8pm on Thursday, November 29tn, at the church and at the home, 1041 Fairview Church Rd, Williamston. Biggs Funeral Home of Williamston is serving the Gardner Family.