Richard Wayne Gardner, Sr.

Mr. Richard Wayne Gardner, Sr. 84 of Jonesville, NC had his final ride on Saturday, March 22, 2025. He was born in Lancaster, SC on December 9, 1940, the son of Frank and Margie Gardner. Richard spent his life happily driving his big rig across America for 57 years. We feel sure he entered Heaven behind the wheel of his truck.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Jeanine B. Gardner; his second wife, Elaine Thrift Gardner; his third wife, Charlotte Neal Gardner; and sisters, Tish Helms and Phyllis Jenkins.

Survivors include his children, Robin Hargett, Michael (Frankie) Gardner, Chris (Lynn) Gardner, and Richard (Brandy) Gardner, Jr.; 16 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

This family wishes to extend special thanks to Richard’s grandson-in-law, Cody Amburn, Dr. Tracy Sheets and Dr. Heather Thornburg of Novant Health Wilkes, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - 5th Floor Trauma ICU 5B Staff, and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist – 9th Floor Reynolds Tower Staff.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Gentry Family Funeral Service, Jonesville, NC is serving the Gardner Family.