Thomas Lee Gardner, 66, of Blytheville went to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning, December 25th, 2012. He was the born in Macon, Mississippi to Thomas Gardner and Leah Amanda Webb.

Mr. Gardner was a man of many interests and achievements. He was a Veteran of the United States Army. He worked in construction, and was a Master Carpenter. After graduating from AM&N in 1971, he moved to Harvey, IL where he taught vocational training at Thornton Township High School. He was a teacher for 23 years, including three years at Blytheville High School. His last 14 years of employment were spent at Nucor Steel Mill.

Mr. Gardner loved any kind of learning, and especially enjoyed reading. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes and he truly enjoyed taking vacations and traveling with his family. He was a man of extremely high morals, and his children say he was a "Great Father." He taught them to shake hands with a firm grip and to look people in the eye!

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Jimmy Gardner, William Gardner, and Arthur Glen Gardner.

He is survived by two sons: Thomas Lee Gardner III, of Texas, and Ramsey Lee Gardner (and Kim) of Austin, Texas;

three daughters: Lisa Johnson of Chicago, IL, Bridgett Gardner of Blytheville and Shakera Gardner of Blytheville;

his mother: Leah Amanda Walker of Blytheville;

two brothers: James Douglas Gardner of Blytheville and Vincent Gardner of Seattle, WA;

two sisters: Priscilla Russell of Indianapolis, IN, and Dorothy Davis (and John) of Little Rock, AR;

four grandchildren: Thomas Gardner IV of Blytheville, Donovan Clarke of Chicago, IL, Maurice Watson of Blytheville and Isaiah Blair of Blytheville; and many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 5 until 7 at Carney Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Saturday morning at 11:00 at Carney Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating the service will be Ministers Burton Furlow and Michael Chaffin.

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