Mr. Samuel Howell Gardner Jr.

Samuel Howell Gardner, Jr., age 88, of Locust Grove, GA passed away November 13, 2015 at his residence. Howell was born in Locust Grove, son of the late Lula Elizabeth Gaillard Gardner and Samuel Howell Gardner Sr. He was also preceded in death by a brother, John Gardner; and sisters, Lula Thomas, Bernice Brown and Nan Brown. Howell was a life-long resident of Locust Grove and was born at the original home place on Gardner Lane. He graduated from McDonough High School, Class of 1944, and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

He served his country in the US Army during WWII and was discharged honorably in December 1946. He served in the Army Air Corp and was stationed at Kessler Field, MS, and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. He was honorably discharged in July 1953. He owned and operated family businesses, Gardner Hardware and the family peach farm, Gardner Farm. Both are located in Locust Grove, GA. Howell served as a Henry County Commissioner from 1965 – 1969. He also served on the Henry County Water Authority Board for 43 years and was chairman for 1971- 2003. After retiring from the Henry County Water Authority, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling and was an avid golfer at Deer Trail Country Club in Barnesville.

Survivors are his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ann Hammock Gardner; children: Chipper and Norma Gardner, Lee and Judy Gardner, Jeff and Beth Gardner Floyd, Timothy and Kathy Gardner and Tom and Lori Gardner; grandchildren: Al Gardner (Nicole), Katie Gardner, Jennifer Carter (Jake), Erin Peters (Justin), Luke Gardner (Athena), Ansley Glenn (Chris), Linsey Floyd, Molly Woodson (Brandon), Whit Gardner, Wyatt Gardner, Megan Gardner, Cole Gardner; great grandchildren: Caroline & Levi Gardner, Karson, Kennedy and Coan Carter, Caleigh and Owen Peters, Charis and Avery Gardner, Jackson and Mason Glenn; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service for Samuel Howell Gardner will be on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 – 1:00 PM in the chapel of Haisten Funeral Home with Rev. Joey Seabolt and Warren Holder officiating. Interment will follow in the Locust Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Locust Grove Heritage Foundation, 792 Price Drive, Locust Grove, GA 30248.