Born December 8, 1944 in Waycross, Georgia, he was the son of the late Lewis Martin Gardner and Wanda McClain Gardner.
Survivors include wife, Rhonda Gardner; two sons Charles Wayne Gardner and wife Annette Gardner of Hot Springs, AR and Lewis Ray Gardner and wife Lora Smith-Gardner of Hot Springs, AR; three grandsons: Joey Gardner of Hot Springs, Jordan Gardner of Hot Springs and Dalton Gardner of Ft. Smith; two granddaughters, Jessica Kelliher and husband Jacob Kelliher of Russellville and Jennifer Gardner of Hot Springs; one great-granddaughter Emma Gardner of Hot Springs; two brothers: Larry Gardner and wife Teddy of Arkadelphia and Alan Lane Gardner and wife Jacqueline of Warner Robins, GA; a special life-long friend, Roger Groce; private nurse and friend, Lisa Lafoon; and many nephews, nieces and friends.
He was an active member of Mountain Pine First Assembly of God Church and loved singing and playing his guitar.
He served in the U.S. Airforce from 1962 1965 and was stationed in Germany. He was the founder of Crackerbox Food Stores, Gardner Oil Company and Screaming Eagle Transport.
Most importantly, he was a child of the King.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 P.M. Monday, December 28, 2015 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel in Monticello. Burial with full military honors will be in Oakland Cemetery. Family visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Sunday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(44)
Classie Jones Green
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, January 10, 2016 DEAR FAMILY, I just want to say I REMEMBER LEWIS AND HIS CONVIENCE STORES HOW NICE THE STORES AND SERVICE WAS A life WELL-LIVED!!! God BlessAndy & Terrie Briant
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 9, 2016 R.I.P. Friend . Sincerest condolences to the familyJohn C. Simmons
Pine Bluff , Ar., AR Monday, January 4, 2016 Just wanted to let the family know how much I valued knowing Mr. Lewis , he was truly a disciple & testament to the life & teachings of Jesus Christ. He fought the good fight & is now beside The King he worshipped through out his life here on earth. Sorry I was not able to be with the family to celebrate his life this past week , still in flood control here. Praise God for the life of Me. Lewis !!!Carrie Holyfield
Little rock, AR Saturday, January 2, 2016 Rhonda, I am so sorry to hear of Lewis passing. He IS in a better place. Please keep in touch!Charlie Avery
Severn, MD Thursday, December 31, 2015 So sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Gardner, may he rest in peace and comfort be yours.Sharon Hoppers Barnes
Naples, FL Tuesday, December 29, 2015 To all of Lewis' family I wish you peace and strength in your time of sorrow. Lewis was so good to my parents, Rev. and Mrs. L.W. Hoppers. He visited them and prayed with them many times. He was a good man of God.Marsha Henderson
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2015 Rhonda, LR, I am so sorry to hear of Lewis's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you an your family.Butch and Judy Selig
Benton, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2015 To all of the family:We are so sorry for your loss. Lewis was a great person who will be missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Butch and Judy Selig
Kerry & Karen Withers
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2015 All of the family is in our thoughts and prayers. We know you will miss him greatly.Pat O'Briant
, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 My condolences to the family. Mr. Gardner and I spent time together recording his radio programs. I found him to be a very nice man. He will be missed.Julia mcCoy
monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 BOSS you will truly be missed but not forgotten. I had the great fortune to have worked for you for many years so I have plenty of little jokes and stories to speak about. My family and I always felt like you were our family because you treated us so well. Rhonda, Lr, Chuck,Rodger and family I am truly sorry for your loss. BOSS touched many lives and all who knew him were blessed to have had him in their life. BOSS please be in peace.Julia mcCoy
monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 BOSS you will truly be missed, but not forgotten. Lucky for me I worked for you for a very long time so I have loads of jokes and stories to speak about. My family and I thought of you as our family. I am so sorry for your loss Ms Rhonda,Chuck and Lr and the rest of you. ALL who knew BOSS was so very lucky to have a great man like him in their lives. We love you BOSS MAN! We shall meet again!Deborah Libby
Hot Springs, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 This dear man of God is so dearly loved and adored by all! He touched and blessed so many lives in so many ways! The love of the Lord Jesus was always felt in his presence! Heard him best described as an extraordinaryman... and will add to that... An extraordinary man of God! He loved others and
the love of the Lord shined so brightly thru him.... am truly, truly very blessed to have known him and his wonderful family!... Know he is safely resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Prayers of peace and comfort for all his family, friends and loved ones... He will be greatly missed and we love him so, in Christ Jesus!!!
Lifford S. Luthringer
Texarkana, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 I always enjoyed visiting with Lewis and will miss him. Condolences and my best to the Gardner family.Jones Kenneth
Hot Springs, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 My thoughts and prayers are for you for strength and comfort. God BlessLuAnn Keedy
Sheridan, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 Thoughts and Prayers!!Kimberly
Little Rock, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 Rhonda and LC, I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Gardner's passing. I always enjoying visiting with he and you all when I could- my sincerest sympathies.Kimberly (Hipps) Shaw ( Area Manager of the former National Bank of Arkansas - Little Rock)
Three Lakes Distributing
Hot Springs, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 We are very sorry for your loss, our thoughts & prayers will be with your family during this difficult time.Mr. Terry Hudgens
Hot Springs, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 Praying for your family during your time of loss.Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Hudgens
Hot Springs, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 Praying for your family during your time of loss.Duke Fakouri
Pine Bluff, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 My sincere condolences and prayers are with each of you. Lewis and I met through business, but became good friends. I always enjoyed our friendly discussions and knowing that when we were done, we would walk away as close as we were when we started. I have missed seeing Lewis over the past few years, I know that he is with the Lord.As one would say, "Thanks for the Memories".
James and Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2015 Gardner FamilySo sorry for your loss of Lewis. We attended church together way back when we were children. A good family.
Prayers
James and Kathy Berry
PAUL & MARY MCHAN
Columbia, TN Sunday, December 27, 2015 RHONDA AND FAMILY, WE WERE SO SORRY TO NHEAR OF THE PASSING OF LEWIS. HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN AND LOVED BY NALL WHO KNEW HIM MAY GOD COMFORT YOU ALL LOVE THE MCHANSJerry and Debbie Brock
Hot Springs, AR Sunday, December 27, 2015 Rest in peace Lewis and prayers for the entire family!!Jerry and Debbie Brock
Hot Springs, AR Sunday, December 27, 2015 Rest in peace Lewis and prayers for the entire family!!Connie Holt
newport, AR Sunday, December 27, 2015 Rhonda, I'm praying the lord will wrap you in his arms today & every day. And know that Lewis will always be in your heart. I'm praying you will find peace in the future and learn to live again. And share your great heart& personality the good Lord blessed you with.love you always connieMarty and Janie Coco
Hot springs, AR Sunday, December 27, 2015 Rhonda, LR and Lora, Chuck... Janie and I send our condolences to you all in the loss of Lewis. My first response when I heard was: " what a guy he was. This is the end of an era". Boss taught me so much. We both grew our businesses together, through the 90s, sponging knowledge off of each other. The most important thing I learned from him was his ability to make each employee feel special. Disciplining with a firm hand, but loving with a firm hug.We will truly miss this gentle giant. Godspeed to all the Gardners. Marty and Janie. We love you all.
Ms Brenda J. Moore
Vidor, TX Saturday, December 26, 2015 May God give you strength through this sad time.Myrna Sue Williams
Waco, TX Saturday, December 26, 2015 My thoughts and prayers have been with you since we got the message.Lewis Martin lived a good life and he was great nephew. My thoughts are with even though I can't be there . I love you all.Aunt Myrna
Paul & Nellie Thrash
Amity, AR Saturday, December 26, 2015 So sorry for your loss.Love you
Paul & Nellie Thrash
Paul & Nellie Thrash
Amity, AR Saturday, December 26, 2015 So sorry for your loss.Love Nellie & Paul Thrash
Phillip & Kacky Garcia
Cabot, TX Friday, December 25, 2015 Phillip and I send all our love and deepest condolences to all the family. We both loved Boss very much and he will be forever missed!! We love you and pray God will wrap you all in His love and give you all peace in your hearts. RIP dear sweet Boss and know that you were loved by many. We will never forget the sweet, beautiful love that you showed us. Will see you again some day.. Much love from The Garcia's...Marshall/Vada Fowler
Mountain Pine, AR Friday, December 25, 2015 You have been in our thoughts and prayers..May give you comfort as only he can..Gary Crook
Monticello, AR Friday, December 25, 2015 great guy, boss hog , alway's on top of every thing , very good mind set , will miss him .Margie Chambers Irbe
Jonesboro, AR Friday, December 25, 2015 May Angels surround us and fill our heart's with joy as we celebrate the passing of my dear friend and classmate, Lewis."For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.
"They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11
Margie Chambers Irbe, Drew Central, class of 1962
Honey Hayden Henderson
Fort Smith, AR Friday, December 25, 2015 Dalton is missing him, and will be at the funeral services.Phillip and Diana Hoppers
Pine Bluff, AR Thursday, December 24, 2015 Lewis was a very dear friend of our family and was sad to hear of his passing but it's good to know that he's now in amuch better place which is Heaven! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Diana Acrey
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 23, 2015 So Sorry for your loss. I will miss that great smile and sense of humor Boss had. DianaJosh and Angie Frost
Savannah, GA Wednesday, December 23, 2015 I was so sorry to hear of Lewis' passing. He was such a great man, a good business man, and a fine musician. He loved the Lord and he shared his love through his musical talents for everyone to enjoy. This loss will be a great impact on all that knew him and were touched by him. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, December 23, 2015 I am so sorry to read about Lewis' death. We were classmates, marched together at High School Graduation and remained good friends throughout the years. Lewis was a great man, friend to all, and shared his Christian faith and love for music throughout the years. He was a sweet, kind and loving man and an inspiration to all. He will truly be missed. May God give you peace and comfort in your sorrow. Lewis is surely at God's side sharing his music.With love & sympathy,
Janice (Gladden) Wiggam
Walter Chapman
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 23, 2015 To the family: So sorry to hear of Lewis's passing. My prayer is for solace as you deal with grief with the passing of a loved one. Lewis was a good Christian friend and I will miss him.Ricky & Diane Davis
Gulf Shores, AL Wednesday, December 23, 2015 We sure did love Lewis, such a kind, giving, loving person. He will be missed by many. Love and prayers for all of the family.Sharon Parker Hayden
Branson, MO Tuesday, December 22, 2015 I want to express my condolences to the family...He was loved by many and was a very good man...RIP ..."Boss Hog"Alesa Gardner
, AR Tuesday, December 22, 2015 My Dear Uncle Lewis...I have loved you my whole life..You were a dad to me when I needed a dad..You Loved me as your own...So much time passed so many regrets I have...But you have always remained in my heart....I know you are in heaven and you finally see what you have meant to me all these years.. even if I haven't shown it,...and Im so sorry for that..Please forgive me....For I know you have touched many lives and no doubt you will receive many jewels..But God knows you made a difference in my life and gave me love and guidance when I needed it the most and you will be rewarded...Sleep with the angels Uncle Lewis..I Love you.!!!!...Forever!!!!!...L.R....and family...Im so sorry!!!!