Elder George Gardner

George Gardner, age 80, a lifelong resident of Forest died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3pm Friday, March 22, 2024, from the OTT & LEE Funeral Home chapel, with interment to follow in the Antioch-Steele Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 2pm-2:45pm before the service. 

George was born in Morton, MS on Saturday, October 23, 1943, to his parents Stites Gardner, Sr. and Evon Warren Gardner.   He served in the Mississippi National Guard for five years.   He was a God-fearing man who loved the Word of God,  loved this country, and could be described best by the scripture passage from  Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. He loved his family and enjoyed visiting with friends.  For several years he also drove a bus for the Scott County Schools and was always a positive influence on students and teachers alike.  He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  He loved the outdoors, raising cattle, and horses, farming, and gardening.  He served as Elder of the Antioch Primitive Baptist Church for 32 years, as well as other Primitive Baptist Churches in the area.  During this time of service with the church, he officiated hundreds of funerals over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Stites Gardner, Jr. Billy Jack Gardner, Donald Gardner, and Bobby Gardner, and his son Michael Gardner.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 60 years, Catherine McDill Gardner of Forest, and daughter, Lisa Gardner Chandler (Joey Decuir) of Laurel.   He also leaves behind a legacy of four grandchildren; Casey Goodwin (Lacey), Jessi Alford (Brian), Dylan Chandler (Brooke), Brie Chandler (Dakota), and four great-grandchildren; Kaylee Alford, Grayson Alford, Addy Goodwin, and Evelyn Goodwin.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Pallbearers are Casey Goodwin, Brian Alford, Dylan Chandler, Joey Decuir, Mitchell Gardner, Kendall Gardner, and Dave Rushing.   Honorary pallbearers are Durward Everett, Bro. Alfred Bailey, Jackie Burkes, Lamar Harrison, and Lereece Crimm.