Willie Gardner Sr.

Willie Lee Gardner, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and veteran, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025 at Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida.

Born July 31,1950 in Bronson, Florida to the late Catherine Thomas. Willie was raised in Williston, Florida and reared at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he returned to after retirement. He proudly attended Williston Vocational HighSchool with the Class of 1968. There, he developed a love for athletics, playing baseball, basketball, and football, which led to a lifetime of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These values continued as he served his country with courage, commitment, and integrity; honorably retiring after twenty years in the U.S. Army as a Food Service Sergeant.

After retiring, Willie, affectionately known as Gardner, the G, Big G, Pop/Poppa, Dru, and Crip, returned to Williston and tried to make a lasting impact on the community. For a few years, he was a proud member (becoming inactive) of the Masons with Seminole Lodge #47, where he upheld the principles of his wisdom, generosity and support to those in need. He touched countless lives with is kindred and giving spirt and mentorship, trying to convince young men and women of eligible age, to join the military. Additionally, he was going to advise you, argue (debate) with you, especially about politics, and let you know that you were wrong and he was right, and if you would just iisten and agree with him, the would would be a better place - if you know, you know. His favorite sayings were "I'm a registered independent", and "God love me too".

Willie leaves to cherish precious memories: his wife of over 43 years, Shirley McRae Gardner of Williston, FL; children (age order), Willie Gardner, Jr., of Williston, FL, Tawanna Gardner of Deland, FL, Dekelly Gardner of Miami, FL, Margaret Gardner of St. Pauls, NC, Kendra Gardner of Fayetteville, NC, Kenya (Sharnae) Gardner of Williston, FL; siblings, Janice (Ballie) Martin of Fort Lauderdale, FL, David Williams of Williams of Gainesville, FL, Supt. Reginald (Rose) Williams of Williston, FL, Joe (Dorothy) Williams III, of Gainesville, FL, Jerome Williams Sr. of Gainesville, FL, Atrice Williams of Osteen, FL, Michelle (Carlin) Phillips of Sanford, FL, Katie (James) Duncan of Williston, FL; aunts, Maggie McLemore of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Oneida Williams of Williston, FL; brothers-and sisters-in-law, Carolyn Sweet of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Queen E. McRae of Fayetteville, NC, David (Bonnie) McRae of Fayetteville, NC, Betty (Curtis) Strong of Las Vegas, NV, Reginald D. McRae of Atlanta, GA; special sister/friend, Mary (Hilson) Hayes of Hinesville, GA; special brother/friend, Alvin Wiggins of Detroit, MI; godsisters and brothers, John (Felicia) Coleman, Debra Edwards, Joyce Coleman, Jeff Coleman, Kevin Johnson, Wendell Johnson, Marilyn Johnson, and Yvonne Johnson, all of Williston, FL, Oliver (Vivian) Coleman, Hinesville, GA, and Celetta-Faye (Charles) Bryant of Ocala, FL; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his fathers, Joe (Beatrice) Williams, Jr., Arthur Guenther a.k.a Garner; brohters, Emmitt Kitchen and Felix Sweet; and godmother, Mary (Esau) Johnson.

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