Thomas Lee Gardner

Mr. Thomas Lee Gardner, 66, of Blytheville, went to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning, Dec. 25th, 2012. He was the born in Macon, Miss., to Thomas Gardner and Leah Amanda Webb.

Mr. Gardner was a man of many interests and achievements. He was a Veteran of the United States Army. He worked in construction, and was a Master Carpenter. After graduating from AM&N in 1971, he moved to Harvey, Ill., where he taught vocational training at Thornton Township High School. He was a teacher for 23 years, including three years at Blytheville High School. His last 14 years of employment were spent at Nucor Steel Mill.

Mr. Gardner loved any kind of learning, and especially enjoyed reading. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes and he truly enjoyed taking vacations and traveling with his family. He was a man of extremely high morals, and his children say he was a "Great Father." He taught them to shake hands with a firm grip and to look people in the eye!

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Jimmy Gardner, William Gardner and Arthur Glen Gardner.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas Lee Gardner III of Texas, and Ramsey Lee (and Kim) Gardner of Austin, Texas;

Three daughters, Lisa Johnson of Chicago, Bridgett Gardner of Blytheville and Shakera Gardner of Blytheville;

His mother, Leah Amanda Walker of Blytheville;

Two brothers, James Douglas Gardner of Blytheville and Vincent Gardner of Seattle, Wash;

Two sisters, Priscilla Russell of Indianapolis, Ind., and Dorothy (and John) Davis of Little Rock;

Four grandchildren, Thomas Gardner IV of Blytheville, Donovan Clarke of Chicago Maurice Watson of Blytheville and Isaiah Blair of Blytheville; and

Many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. today at Carney Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Carney Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating the service will be Ministers Burton Furlow and Michael Chaffin. Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com