
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, October 11, 2019 at Cool Springs Baptist Church, 1625 Cool Springs Road, Buena Vista, Georgia. Burial will follow in the Church cemetery.
Mr. Tommy Frank Gardner was born September 3, 1935 in Buena Vista, Georgia to the union of late Thomas and Beatrice Gardner. He was preceded in death by one son, SGT David Gardner, and siblings, Joe Gardner, Gertrude McKay, James Gardner, Sr. and Betty Thornton.
Tommy was educated in Marion County School System and later relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. He was an experienced truck driver for 50 plus years.
Tommy was best known as “Pops” or “Dad” to his children, and he was great dad to all of them. To others, he was “Unc”, uncle, cousin, brother, or granddad. Yes, he was very family-oriented. He was the one who would enter a room and could make everyone laugh and put a smile on their faces. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, playing lottery, and talking on the phone to everyone. Tommy loved the Lord. He was a loyal Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons fan.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Larry Thomas (Cecila), Barry Roberts (Debbie), Kenneth Gardner (DeeAnn), Darrell Beard, Tangia “Tiger” Thomas; two God-given daughters, Perkecia “Keekee” Cantrell, Chandrea "Chan Chan” Warner; 18 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; one brother, David Jerome Gardner (Mary); two sisters, Doris Allene Thomas and Martha Miller; aunts, Margie Jackson and Marie Jackson; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends including his best friend, Willie C. Hughey.