Lewis Quinn Gardner

Mr. Gardner served as principal of Smackover Elementary from 1966 till 1992. He graduated from Magnolia High School in 1948. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Arkansas University, where he co-authored the SAU alma mater, still sung today. He earned his Master of Science in Education on January 28, 1961 from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Gardner taught school in Portland, AR 1952-53. He taught in Stephens in 1953-55. He became principal and teacher of Mansfield, AR 1956-60. He taught in Fort Smith 1960-66. He became principal of Smackover Elementary in 1966 and served the school district till 1992.

Mr. Gardner served as president of the Arkansas Elementary Principal’s Association in 1981. During the 1980-school year, Gardner was one of 200 elementary principals selected to attend the National Leadership Conference held by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, held in Washington, D.C. He was also a longtime member of the Arkansas Association of Education Administrators.

In 1985 he and his elementary school were accepted into the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. At that time, 1984-85, Smackover Elementary was the only NCA accredited grade school in Union County and one of a few south of Little Rock.

Mr. Gardner was also a singer. He served in several churches in Arkansas and Oklahoma as Minister of Music with his wife as his piano and organ accompanist. His longest service as Minister of Music was at Union Baptist Church 1966-92.

In 1973 Gardner was one of four soloists to be featured in the South Arkansas Symphony and Community Chorus, performing in Handel’s “Messiah.” Gardner sang the part of Jacey Squires in the El Dorado Little Theater’s 1972 production of “The Music Man.”

In 1952 Gardner had charge of the Revival Crusade music held at First Baptist Church in cooperation with the Simultaneous Revival sponsored and participated by 38 Baptist churches of Liberty Baptist Association.

Mr. Gardner was not only an educator and performer, he participated in civic affairs. He was elected in 1976 as City Treasurer of Smackover. He served in that capacity from 1976 till 1980.

Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by his dad, Quinn Gardner of Crossett and by his mother, Manean James of Magnolia. His sister, Trebie, died in infancy.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Gardner of Smackover and two children Amanda Jones (Doug) of Smackover and Sam Gardner of Louann. He has four grandchildren: Alexa Inman (Neil) of Smackover; Ashley Boulaouden (Mo) of Arlington, TX; Alex Bethany (Crystal) of Smackover; Joseph Bethany of Smackover.

His great grandchildren are Daven Sipe, Leila and Salma Boulaouden, Alie Bethany, Kyndal McDonald, Finn Bethany. He has several step grandchildren and great grandchildren from Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, June 5, 2017 at Young’s.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Maple Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Proctor and Dr. Benjy McCann officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com