Richard Ray Gardner

He graduated high school in Rock Hill, South Carolina in 1956. Ray married the love of his life in April of 1959 after he enlisted in the United States Army February 12, 1959. Ray served more than 21 years attaining the rank of 1st Sergeant. He completed 2 tours in Vietnam, earned the Bronze Star and several commendation medals. After completing his active duty service he diligently studied and earned two Associates Degrees while completing 23 years of civil service and supporting the Soldiers of Fort Hood while working at Darnall Army Community Hospital. After retirement from civil service Ray continued to support the Soldiers of Fort Hood as Red Cross Volunteer in the emergency room. He passed the afternoon of 04 October 2022 surrounded by the entirety of his loving family.

He was a Christian man and an active member of the Copperas Cove Church of Christ.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents Richard Melvin Gardner, Emma Steen and his Sisters Melvina Henderson and Roseann Cousins.

Ray is survived by his wife, Mary Janice Gardner; daughter, Lynn Buck and husband Jerry; son, Ken Gardner; daughter, Lori Mccombs and husband Brad; 6 Grandchildren; Austen Sheffield, Dusti King, Ashlyn Thomas and husband Brandon Thomas, Alicyn Larson and husband Daniel, Matthew Mccombs, and Mason Mccombs; 6 Great Grandchildren Rylan and Sophia King, Londyn, Landon and Lennox Thomas, Tyler Larson, and a brother Jim Gardner of North Carolina.

The family of Ray Gardner wishes to extend our sincere appreciation for all of the prayers, calls, cards and food extended to our family during this time. They would also like to mention the great support provided by our Hospice Nurse Jennifer with Elara Caring Hospice.

A visitation for Ray will be held Monday October 10, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be at the Church of Christ will occur Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM. The Graveside Service with full military honors will occur Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Central Texas State Veteran Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Cherokee Children's Home @ https://www.chc4kids.org

Serving as pallbearers are Austen Sheffield, Matthew McCombs, Mason McCombs, Rylan King, Daniel Larson and Brandon Thomas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com for the Gardner family.