Paul Gardner Jr. was born August 21, 1934 in Birmingham, AL to the late Paul Gardner and Isora Gardner Davis. Paul joined his wife Annette in Glory on December 29, 2016 at the age of 82. Their love was one that surpassed life itself and now they can stroll the streets of gold together. Paul is also predeceased by his siblings, Loula, Mary, Dean, Herbert, Curtis, Lewis and Nathaniel.
Paul lived a life of courage and hope. He lost his father at a young age and was eager to build a life for himself and carry out his father's legacy. His first job was working in a women’s shoe store, where he often found humor in the people he encountered. Women with size 12 feet trying on size 7 shoes.
After he graduated high school, he had a 4 year stint in the Air Force. Soon after, he met Annette, his wife of 60 years. He attended business school but made the decision to re-enlist in the Air Force for another 22 years. Paul served in Korea and Vietnam.
Paul took his family all over the world and worked hard to provide the best accommodations for his family. Although he was brought up in a Christian home and had many Christ like attributes, he himself did not give his heart to the Lord until the age of 38. Having Jesus as his savior brought strength, faith and a deeper love for his family.
Paul quickly became involved in lay ministry. He held positions of Trustee and Deacon at all of his church homes. He was heavily involved in prison ministry and homeless ministries. He loved to open his home to all for bible study. Most recently Paul was a member of Christ Memorial Baptist Church (now High Pointe Baptist Church) where he was involved with the College and Career, Adult and Single Men’s ministries. He loved touching the lives of people by helping them spiritually and financially.
Paul was a career service man and retired a second time from the United States Air Force in 1979. Paul had a successful career in the Air Force as a Supply Material Management Superintendent and received many commendations. He was also awarded the Bronze Star. His work involved keeping fighter pilots safe and his skills were a huge monetary benefit to the US government.
After retirement from the USAF, Paul started another career with the US Postal Service. He enjoyed getting out every day and talking to the people in the community on his route. After 20 years as a mail carrier, he retired in 2000 to live out the rest of his days with his beautiful wife Annette.
Paul and his wife traveled with their children and grandchildren and were very active in the church and the Gideons.
Paul lived his life out loud! His voice was commanding and his words were to the point, but his heart was like gold and his smile could light up a room. He was often called a Gentle Giant because his spirit was so full of compassion and joy.
Paul Gardner Jr. was a man among men. A friend to the friendless. He was a man with a spirit of generosity that touched many lives. He loved giving to, living for and taking care of those in his life. The world will be a little less bright without him in it, and those he left behind will live with the hope and excitement to see him again one day. “Later Gator” as Paul would always say.
Paul leaves behind the loves of his life, Brother Daniel Gardner and Sister-in-Law Jeannette, Green Cove, FL; Daughter Cheryl D. Gardner (Penny) Austin, TX; Son Paul K. Gardner (Skip) and his wife Martha Gonzales, Houston, TX; Daughter Elizabeth A. Gardner, Austin, TX; Granddaughter Alexis Annette Esperanza Gardner, Austin, TX and mother Norma Everett McClain, Pflugerville, TX; Granddaughter Tatum Renee Gardner, Houston, TX; In-Laws Ray and Amelia Hernandez of Houston, TX; In-Laws John and Angela Bradford and children Sofia and John IV of The Woodlands, TX; A host of Nieces and Nephews; Precious Friends Dian Sims of Austin, TX; Kelley Wood and son Cody of Houston, TX.
Special thanks to:
ICU Doctors and Nurses at St. David's North Austin Medical Center
Kindred Home Health
Nurse Next Door
Dr. Ferril Smith
George Brickhouse; Cheryl Brown; Carlos and Josie Cordova; Otis and Fannie Fields; Larry and Rita King; Jim and Shar Minton; Roy and Janie Molina; Myrna Roos
High Pointe Baptist Church Administration and Members
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