William “Bill” Lawrence Gardner

William “Bill” Lawrence Gardner, of Caroleen, NC passed away April 12, 2014.

He was born in Willimantic, Connecticut in 1952 and was raised in Marion, Charlotte, and Forest City, NC.  He was a 1970 graduate of East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College before graduating from Gardner Webb University with degree in Accounting in 1974.  He worked for J.W. Davis Company prior to opening his own business, Bill Gardner Construction, Inc., in 1984.

He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church served as an usher for many years and on the Finance and Building Committees and was Treasurer of the Knights of Columbus Council.  He served as past president of the Rutherford County Homebuilders Association and on the Board of the Home Warranty Association.

Bill loved spending time with family and friends.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and attending NASCAR races.   He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his storytelling abilities.

Bill ran a successful business for over 30 years.  He took pride in his work and was well known for his integrity, responsiveness, and customer service.

He is the son of Lawrence Gardner and the late Carolyn Smith Gardner.  He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Denise Byers Gardner, son Josh Gardner of Caroleen, daughter Laura Neely and husband Eric of Fayetteville, brother Scott Gardner and wife Anne of Durham, NC, sister Betty Underwood and husband Gerald of Monroe, NC, sister Kathy Dickson and husband Herb of Matthews, NC, brother-in-law P.J. Byers and wife Abbe of Caroleen and nephews Eric Gardner and wife Cameron, Drew Gardner, Christopher Byers and wife Cassie and Cameron Byers and wife Sarah, niece Regina Lane, and best friend Jake.

Funeral services were held at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Forest City with Rev. Fr. Herbert Burke and Rev. Deacon Andy Cilone officiating.  A graveside ceremony followed at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Knights of Columbus at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1024 West Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043 or Hospice of Rutherford County, Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

The family wishes to offer its sincere gratitude to Dr. Matthew Rees and his staff, Dr. Todd Albala and the staff of Rutherford Internal Medicine Associates, Dr. Asim Amin and the staff of the Levine Cancer Research Institute in Charlotte, and the staffs of Rutherford Regional Medical Center and Hospice of Rutherford County.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.