THEDIE C. GARDNER
March 9, 1945-Jan. 29, 2013
PATETOWN -- Thedie C. Gardner, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, passed peacefully into that far better life with his Lord and savior. His courage during this fight was typical of his strength of character, reflecting his loyalty and dedication to, and deep love, for his family.
A service to celebrate Thedie's life will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church, with the Rev. Gary Bailey officiating.
The family will receive friends following the service in the church.
Interment will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Wayne Memorial Park with military honors.
Thedie was born in Wayne County March 9, 1945, to the late Thedie and Nina Pate Gardner.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army.
Thedie retired from the North Carolina Soil Conservation Service after 25 years of service.
As a young man, Thedie joined Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church, and was a member for more than 30 years.
He was a founding member of Highest Praise Tabernacle in Princeton. Thedie was devoted to his church, served as a deacon and was involved in many activities, where he utilized his gifts and abilities to share the love of God.
Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his precious granddaughters.
Thedie is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anna Phipps Gardner; daughter, April Mills and the Rev. Glenn Mills; granddaughters, Taylor Mills and Anna Mills; sisters, Esther Lancaster and husband, J.R., Grace Davis and husband, Leslie, Betty Jean Corbett and husband, Donald, Arlene Gardner and Linda Casey and husband, Ben; brother, George Gardner and wife, Carol; sister-in-law, Dorothy Gardner; and brother-in-law, Jimmy Grantham.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jason Gardner; sister, Lou Grantham; and brother, James "Hoss" Gardner.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 31, 2013 1:48 PM