Buddy James Gardner

Mr. Buddy James Gardner, 80, of Mount Airy, passed away Friday, March 12, 2010, at the Rockingham County Hospice Home. Mr. Gardner was born October 22, 1929, in Surry County, to James H. and Clara Jarrell Gardner. He was a retired chief petty officer in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, and was retired from Proctor-Silex Inc. Surviving are his wife, Laura Hattaway Gardner of the home; four daughters, Sheri Gardner Overman and husband, Gregg, of Southaven, MS, Dee Ann Matos and husband, Leonel, of Melbourne, FL, Chris Brown and husband, Ken, of Browns Summitt, and Debbie Rydner of Blanco, TX; two sons, Bruce Gardner of Tioga, LA, and Don Viator of Fort Davis, TX; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Robert Johnson of Mount Airy. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by a sister, Georgie Bunker. The funeral service will be held Monday, March 15, 2010, at 2:00 PM at Franklin Heights United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Richard Buffkin officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, with full military rites conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Franklin Heights United Methodist Church, 416 South Franklin Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030.