Roger is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Susan Pait Gardner; son, Scott and wife Heather ; daughter, Blair Andrew and husband Luke, and daughter Amanda, all of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by cherished brothers, Rick Gardner and wife Jane, of Grassy Creek, NC and Ken Gardner and wife Billie of West Jefferson, NC; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Fish of Greensboro, NC. As well, he loved his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He greatly loved and highly respected his late uncle, Monroe Evans Gardner, Jr.
Roger enjoyed growing up in the North Carolina mountains of Ashe County. He loved being outdoors working in the Christmas tree industry with his family and playing sports with friends at Ashe Central High School. His love of dogs started at a young age with his family raising Irish and English Setters. Roger and his wife, Susan, met as children but reconnected in college.
Roger graduated from N.C. State University in 1979 with a degree in Computer Science. After graduation and marriage to Susan, Roger began his professional career at Texas Gulf. He also held management positions at Global Software, QSP, and Nortel Networks. For the past 15 years, Roger enjoyed a career as an Information Systems Division Manager at North Carolina Farm Bureau.
He was greatly respected both personally and professionally. Roger enjoyed spending time outdoors snow skiing with his son, making memories with friends and family at Hyco Lake and was very involved in church ministries, especially children’s ministries. He loved taking trips with Susan, often calling them their “little adventures.” Roger also enjoyed spoiling 2 family dogs, Miller and Cooper.
Roger lived by the words of Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” He exemplified these words throughout his life, but especially since his initial diagnosis with cancer in 2010. He always reminded his family and friends that cancer lived with him, he did not live with cancer. He was a source of hope and inspiration to all who crossed his path.
The family is especially grateful to his care team including Dr. Craig Swaim, Dr. Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, Dr. April Salama, Dr. Grace Kim, Dr. Jordan Torok, Dr. Rodger Israel, and Transitions LifeCare Team: Janette Osterhus, Natalie Whitaker, and Cindy Kelly for their wisdom, care and genuine concern for Roger and his family.
The love, prayers, and support of treasured friends and the congregations of Greystone Baptist Church and Concord United Methodist Church have provided strength for Roger and his family.
A service celebrating the life of Roger will be held at Greystone Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 2:00pm. Family will receive friends at a reception in the fellowship hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in memory of Roger to Greystone Baptist Church—7509 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615; Concord United Methodist Church—70 Concord Church Road, Roxboro, NC 27574; or Rise Against Hunger — RiseAgainstHunger.org.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.
