George Gardner

George William Gardner, 76 of Peachtree Street Ext., Claremont died Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. He is now walking with Jesus. Born May 3, 1935 in Portland Mills, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late George William Johnson and Olive Claire Shaffer. He was a milkman with V.T. Smith Dairy in DuBois, PA. for many years and a mechanic with G.S. Fibers-Hickory Springs in Claremont for over 14 years. George was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Conover. He was an avid NASCAR truck series fan. His wife of 56 years and faithful caregiver for over 12 years, Etta Carolyn Gardner of the home; two daughters, Vicki Anderson and husband Phil of Taylorsville and Karen Bentley and fiancé, Tony of Claremont; two sons, William Gardner of Hickory and Robert Gardner and wife Sandra of Connelly Springs; seven grand-children, William Gardner, Jr., Carey Rupert and husband Dave, Brandy McCracken and husband Mike, all of Reynoldsville, PA., Shawn Mingus and wife Monica of Granite Falls, Allison Gardner of Connelly Springs, Kara Bentley and Philip Brewer, both of Claremont; three great grand-children, Isaac Rupert, Jacob Rupert and Naliyah Gardner, all of Reynoldsville, PA. and numerous nieces and nephews survive him. Three sisters and four brothers preceded him in death. A memorial service will be 4:00 pm Friday, May 27, 2011 at Concordia Lutheran Church. The Rev. Mark Schudde will officiate. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the church and at other times, at the family?s residence. Memorials may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 216 5th Ave. S.E., Conover, NC 28613. Condolence messages may be sent to www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Gardner family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home in Newton.