Johnny Gardner

Johnny Wilson Gardner, 82, of Concord, passed on October 21, 2024. 

Johnny was born in Union County, North Carolina, on September 5, 1942, to the late Ruth Smith Gardner Burgin and Clyde Gardner. 

After graduating from high school, Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1959-1963, stationed in San Diego, CA. In 1962, Johnny married his beloved wife of 57 years, Millie Honeycutt Gardner, who preceded him in death in 2020. In 1964, Johnny and Millie’s only child, Rick, was born. In the early 1970s, Johnny graduated from Fruitland Bible Institute, and was ordained as a minister. Johnny served as pastor of Wadeville Baptist Church and Poplin Grove Baptist Church throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Johnny also spent many years in the grocery industry, retiring from Food Lion as a market manager. After retiring from Food Lion, Johnny would later serve as pastor once again at Wadeville Baptist Church and Stoney Fork Baptist Church. 

Johnny loved golfing, UNC basketball, cars, fishing, and desserts. Johnny, along with his wife, Millie, loved the twenty years they spent in retirement in their home on Lake Tillery. Upon Millie’s passing, Johnny moved to The Courtyards in Concord. The community provided by his neighbors the past four years meant so much to Johnny, as he enjoyed spending most of his days on his front porch, visiting with his neighbors who lovingly referred to him as “The Mayor.” 

In addition to his wife, Millie, and his parents, Johnny is preceded in death by two brothers, Bobby Gardner and Oscar Gardner. 

Johnny is survived by his son, Rick Gardner, and husband, Jonathan Evans, of Concord, as well as his grandson, Joshua Gardner, and husband, Matthew Cox, of Greenville, NC. Additionally, Johnny is survived by his siblings: Doris Smith (James) of Wingate; Lillian Hopkins of Kure Beach; Brenda Morris (Darwin) of Royce City, TX; Joyce White (Greer) of Frisco, TX; and Jerry Gardner (Brenda) of Huntersville. 

The family would like to thank Edie Gunter for the care she provided for Johnny the last several months of his earthly life.
Per his wishes, the family will host a private memorial service for Johnny. Edwards Funeral Home of Norwood is assisting the Gardner family during this time. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnny Gardner, please visit our floral store.