Obituary of Kenneth Ervin Gardner

Kenneth Ervin “Son” Gardner, 103, went to heaven on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Born in Sumter on January 26, 1921, he was the son of the late Robert Nathaniel Gardner and the late Edna Hodge Gardner. Mr. Gardner was a long-standing member of Grace Baptist Church where he attended for sixty-one years. Many knew him as a gentle soul who loved people and enjoyed entertaining friends, family and others with his expert and amazing card and coin tricks. He was often called “The Magic Man." He loved sports and achieved various awards in the athletics program during his years at Sumter High School. He served honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He was dedicated to his career in the furniture industry working with many friends and colleagues. On his 100th birthday, he received a congratulatory letter from President Biden. Surviving are two daughters, Jean Gardner Martin Hockenyos (Mark) of Raleigh, NC, and Carol Gardner Jones Reynolds of Sumter, one son, Kenneth Ervin (Buddy) Gardner, Jr. (Gina) of Lewisburg, TN; five grandchildren: Shannon Martin McGowan (Keith) of Raleigh, NC, Charles Thomas “Chip” Martin, III (Mindy) of Oceanside, CA, Audrey Elizabeth Jones of Columbia, Brandon Gardner Jones (Erica) of Columbia, and William Danner Gardner of Los Angeles, CA; eight great-grandchildren: Corey Mason Jones of Greenville; Elizabeth Warren McGowan, Grant Lawrence McGowan, and Martin Gaffney McGowan all of Raleigh, NC; Beau Gardner Martin of Oceanside, CA, Juliet Ferrell Jones, Beatrice Ferrell Jones, and Arlo Ferrell Jones, all of Columbia, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Elizabeth Jackson Gardner, two brothers: Robert Legrand Gardner and Bishop Harold Gardner; three sisters, Lila Luton, Carlotta (Lottie) Bradham, and Martha Saunders. Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM Saturday at Grace Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 AM to 11 AM Saturday at Grace Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun Street, Sumter, SC 29150. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.