William Donald Gardner

William Donald Gardner Sr. gained his angel wings on December 2, 2021. He is survived by his 3 sons and 2 daughters, Billy (Pam), Richard (Glenda), Michelle (Billyjac), Michael (Robin) & Monica; 8 grandchildren, Rusty (Amanda), James (Rachel), Johnny, Emily, Cameron, Kaleb, Liam & Aurianna; 8 Great- grandchildren, Colton, Audriana, Brytn, Keigyn, Elya-Irene, Will, Nikki & Diamond; as well as his adopted sons, Donnie, Steve & Lowell; including his 2 precious Grand-dogs, Dharma & Lucy. Donald is preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years Margaret, also known to him as the most beautiful woman in the world. Donald is also preceded in death by his parents Clara & Herman Gardner, his sister Linda, his nephew Michael & his father & Mother-in-law Stuart & Josephine Ginn.

Donald was born in Anniston, Alabama and grew up in Alexandria. He was a proud member of the US Navy where he served 2 tours in Vietnam and served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Achieving the Rank of E-6 Petty Officer 1st class, he retired in 1976. In his 20 years in the US Navy, he traveled to many places and met so many different people. One of his experiences that he would tell about was how he sat next to Roy Orbison and he did not know who he was until Roy was called onto the stage to sing.

His greatest love was spending time with his wonderful wife Margaret, working outside planting flowers and gardening. He also loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. Everyone loved listening to his stories of the places he had traveled and all of his life experiences. He never met a stranger and everyone that he met fell in love with him. He became either Dad or Pawpaw to people that met him. He loved his family and loved spending time with them.

You could always find him on Saturday watching the ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE play ball and on Sunday watching his NASCAR racing. "ROLL TIDE" & "HIT THE WALL KYLE BUSCH" could always be heard during those times.

Our sincerest Thank you and Appreciation to all of the members of the Jacksonville Health & Rehab, the techs, nurses and aids for all of the love, support and for taking such great care of our dad.

Soar high our precious angel that we all called DAD, GRANDPA or BROTHER.

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