April 10, 2024, 68, Goldsboro —
Kenneth Alan Gardner, 68, beloved husband, Daddy, Pa, brother, and friend, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center surrounded by his family. He was born in Goldsboro, NC to the late Grover W. Gardner and Pauline (Polly) Bass Gardner on May 26, 1955. In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents and his niece, Leigh Ann Wyckoff.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Rowe Gardner; son, Clay Gardner and wife Hy; daughter, Crystal Gardner Gray, and husband, Berry; grandchildren, Wyatt and Waylan Gardner, and Kaylee and Kyle Gray; brother, Jimmy Gardner and wife, Joan; sister, Patsy Sutton and husband, Nick; sisters-in-law Lynne R. Herndon and husband, Tommy, and Vivian Rowe; mother-in-law Hazel Pittman Rowe; and several special nieces and nephews.
Kenneth’s life was centered on his deep faith. He put God first in all things and was a member of Pleasant Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church where he served several years as a Trustee.
As a young man, Kenneth followed in his father’s footsteps as a farmer. However, his heart of service led him to begin his career as a North Carolina State Trooper in 1982, where he served Duplin and Wayne Counties, as well as in the Hazmat Division of Special Operations in Cary. Kenneth was also a dedicated member of the Pikeville-Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire Department for 47 years. His service allowed him to earn the rank of Chief, Assistant Chief, and many other positions. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to those in need. One of the most memorable honors that Kenneth received was being awarded a lifetime membership in the Wayne County Fireman’s Association in 2004.
After retiring from the Patrol in 2010, Kenneth began the job that he loved best, opening Pa’s Day Care where he kept all of his grandchildren and loved every minute of it! Kenneth loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and teaching the grandchildren to love the same things. Kenneth also enjoyed his annual fishing trips to the Outer Banks.
The family would like to thank the staff of 3HC and Kitty Askins Hospice Center who cared for Kenneth in his final months.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Pikeville-Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire Department. A service to honor Kenneth’s life will be held on Sunday, April 14th, 2024 at 3 pm in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Pastor Barry Stallings and Pastor Bryan Wheeler officiating. Interment will follow in the Pikeville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Kenneth’s memory to Kitty Askins Hospice Center or the Trooper Nolan Sanders Foundation at 503 Pickens Drive N, Goldsboro, NC 27530 or online at troopernolansandersfoundation.com/donate.
