Raymond "Ranny" E. Gardner

Raymond "Ranny" E. Gardner, 68, of Wilmington, died Monday, March 16, 2015, at Columbus Regional Medical Center. He was born March 16, 1947, in Rocky Mount, NC, to the late Raymond E. Gardner, Sr. and Ida Ruth Felton Gardner. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Sherry N. Gardner; children, Ray S. Gardner and wife Ashleigh, Jennifer G. Haignere and husband Andy, and Matt Gardner; grandchildren, Travis Henderson, Nora Gardner, Nolan, Cooper and Dustin Haignere; sister, Marcia Kennedy and husband Greg; in-laws, Mary Ann Guin and husband Jimmy (deceased), Johnny Nelson and wife Debra, Pam Britt and husband Ronnie; many adored nieces and nephews; special friends, Wendell and Shirley Butcher and family; and too many close friends and extended family to list. A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Friday, March 20, 2015, at First Christian Church, located at 2035 Oleander Dr., Wilmington, NC. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Lower Cape Fear Hospice. In the fitting words of his dear friend, Roger, "Ranny was not much for fanfare so he kept his appointment with the Lord without so much as a hiccup. [We] will miss him greatly. A man of the highest principles, Ranny was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend, problem solver and business leader. Always dressed with a smile, loafers (no socks) and an attitude that he would get it done, Ranny was an inspiration to all who knew him. May Sherry and his family find comfort in knowing how much we all loved and respected him. Happy Birthday, buddy. RIP."