Leonard Gene Gardner Sr.

Leonard "Gene" Gardner Sr., passed away Friday, November 11 at the Wayne Patrick Hospice House. He was born in Lugoff, SC on July 30, 1933, the son of Mattie and Joseph Gardner.

Gene served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. He worked at Bowater Carolina Corporation in Electrical & Instrument for 34 years before retiring in 1993. He was an accomplished beekeeper for many years with as many as fifty-five hives at a time. His honey sat on many tables waiting for hot biscuits. Gene also enjoyed fishing and growing a vegetable garden. He was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Williams, daughter, Karen Coble ( Jim ), son, Gene Gardner Jr. ( Denise ), two grandchildren, Janet Penyak ( George ) and Will Coble ( Jen ), and two great grandchildren, Sadie Lynn and Presley Coble. He is also survived by his bonus family, Glenn and Marie Williams and their children, Rachel ( Andrew ), Lucas ( Lauren ) , grandchild Baker, Todd and Stacey Williams and their children Connor ( Brianna ), Lowell, Reilly, and Braden and Allen and Kathy Williams and their children, Chris and Kaylee. 

He was predeceased by his wife Janet Rabon Gardner after 49 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his four sisters, and eight brothers. 

The family would like to thank the Wayne Patrick Hospice House for the excellent care that Gene received. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 993, Rock Hill, S.C. 29731 or Friendship Methodist Church , 1200 Neely Store Road Rock Hill, S.C..    

Graveside service will be held on November 17, 2022 at 2:00pm at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens 

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