John R. Gardner

John R. Gardner, 71, formerly of Jackson, TN died on Friday, August 8, 2014 in Mesa AZ where he had lived for the past eight years.
John was born on August 29, 1942 in Memphis, TN the son of Hubert Richard and Lorraine Coller Gardner. For twenty-three years, John was a General Contractor and Developer with Gardner General Construction in Memphis, TN. He also worked with the Brick Layers Association in Memphis, TN. He assisted in the design of Grace United Methodist Church of Jackson, where he was still a member. John was someone that enjoyed life to the fullest. After moving to Mesa, AZ eight years ago, he attended AMG racing school and loved racing AMG’s. He was also known to skydive and glide during his spare time.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Gwen R. Gardner of Mesa, AZ; a daughter, Debbie O’Hay (Lance) of Watertown, WI; two brothers, P. J. Gardner (Teresa) of Colorado Springs, CO and David G. Gardner (Cathy) of Memphis, TN; one sister, Joyce Ann Gardner of Snow Lake, MS; three grandchildren, Shannon Takawaki (Keita), Kelly O’Hay and Moira O’Hay and one great grandchild, Ellie Takawaki.
SERVICES: A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Friday, August 15, 2014 in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors with Rev. Tim Atkins officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Highland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Friday prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Kidney Foundation.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway 668-1111 www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com