KENNETH ERVIN GARDNER
Kenneth Ervin "Son" Gardner, 103, went to heaven on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024.
Born on Jan. 26, 1921, in Sumter, he was a son of the late Robert Nathaniel Gardner and Edna Hodge Gardner. Mr. Gardner was a long-standing member of Grace Baptist Church, where he attended for 61 years. Many knew him as a gentle soul who loved people and enjoyed entertaining friends, family and others with his expert and amazing card and coin tricks. He was often called "The Magic Man." He loved sports and achieved various awards in the athletics program during his years at Sumter High School. He served honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He was dedicated to his career in the furniture industry, working with many friends and colleagues. On his 100th birthday, he received a congratulatory letter from President Biden.
Surviving are two daughters, Jean Gardner Martin Hockenyos (Mark) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Carol Gardner Jones Reynolds of Sumter; one son, Kenneth Ervin (Buddy) Gardner Jr. (Gina) of Lewisburg, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Shannon Martin McGowan (Keith) of Raleigh, Charles Thomas "Chip" Martin III (Mindy) of Oceanside, California, Audrey Elizabeth Jones of Columbia, Brandon Gardner Jones (Erica) of Columbia and William Danner Gardner of Los Angeles, California; eight great-grandchildren, Corey Mason Jones of Greenville, Elizabeth Warren McGowan, Grant Lawrence McGowan and Martin Gaffney McGowan, all of Raleigh, Beau Gardner Martin of Oceanside, California, Juliet Ferrell Jones, Beatrice Ferrell Jones and Arlo Ferrell Jones, all of Columbia; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Elizabeth Jackson Gardner; two brothers, Robert Legrand Gardner and Bishop Harold Gardner; and three sisters, Lila Luton, Carlotta (Lottie) Bradham and Martha Saunders.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Grace Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Sumter Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at Grace Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.