John Gardner

John Michael Gardner, age 71, of Stockbridge, Georgia, beloved husband of 30 years to the late Linda Hardiman Gardner, passed away December 6, 2022. Mr. Gardner was born July 12, 1951 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Patricia Carrion of Stockbridge, Georgia and the late James A. Gardner, Sr. of Savannah, Georgia. John attended school in Birmingham, Alabama, Metairie, Louisiana and graduated summa cum laude from Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Georgia in 1969, where he was a Star Student. He attended the University of Georgia, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and a Master’s degree in Physical Geography and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Honor Society. He and his wife were the proprietors of several businesses including maternity shops in Athens and Norcross, and mattress stores in Lawrenceville and Pendergrass.

John is survived by brothers James A. Gardner, Jr. (Rosa) of Douglasville, Georgia, Paul T. Gardner (Susan) of Tempe, Arizona, sister Erin Gill (Rob) of Tavistock, England, step-mother Sheila Gardner of Savannah, Georgia, half-brother Christopher Gardner of Savannah, Georgia, half-brother Glenn Gardner (Kim) of Marietta, Georgia, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and a great nephew.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life for John on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia. A Graveside Memorial Service will immediately follow at 11:00 AM at Fairview Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to your favorite charity.

Immortality (Clare Harner)

Do not stand

By my grave, and weep.

I am not there,

I do not sleep—

I am the thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints in snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle, autumn rain.

As you awake with morning’s hush,

I am the swift, up-flinging rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight,

I am the day transcending night.

Do not stand

By my grave, and cry—

I am not there,

I did not die.

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