Clyde Eugene Gardner Jr.

Gene was born in Charlotte, NC (a true native Charlottean) September 30th, 1948 to parents, Clyde Eugene Gardner Sr., and Rubye Philbeck Gardner. After attending Garinger High School, he married Gwendolyn (Gwen) Smith and they recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Gene proudly served his country as a Marine reservist during the Vietnam War. He worked for Duke Energy in the Meter Department and retired after 42 years of service. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Gene was an avid outdoorsman with a deep love for deer and turkey hunting. He was a mentor to many new hunters and traveled all around the United States and Canada to hunt. Gene also created handmade turkey calls/trumpets/yelpers and sold them to other enthusiasts thru his company Old Masters Custom Calls. He loved to fish, most especially at Figure 8 Island with lifetime friends and family.

Gene and Gwen joined Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church and were founding members of The Friendship Class in the early 70’s. He was an active member of the class and church, serving anywhere he could – ushering, preparing meals for his church family, Room In the Inn, fundraisers for the Youth and Sunday School classes, Trustees and Head Pit Master for the annual BBQ.

Gene leaves behind his wife Gwen; daughters, Jenni (Kevin) Jackson, Julie (Tommy) Johnson; granddaughter, Jessica (Travis) Reynolds; grandson, TJ Johnson; and great-granddaughter, Ryn Reynolds; as well as older brother, Bill (Becky) Gardner and sister-in-law, Deloris Gardner; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Keith Gardner.

A celebration of a well lived life will be held Tuesday, October 29th at Hawthorne Lane UMC, 501 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28205. Receiving of friends at 1:00 pm and service at 2:00 pm.