Book of Memories for S.D. Gardner Jr.

Story shared: uncle D

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 10:51:08 EDT

I was an adopted only child. My childhood to say the least was confusing and painfful. I looked forward to Sundays and going to church where I knew uncle D would be. In my heart I longed for examples of jesus' s love. This I found with Uncle D. No he wasn't my blood uncle. But he was my spiritual uncle. He loved me just like I was and silently understood that I needed love and compassion. I will be eternally grateful for uncle D'S example of God's love. His hugs were strong and warm and his sense of humor always left a smile in my heart. Thank you Gardner family for letting me be a parr.of your beautiful, loving family. Your love and acceptance will ladt.my lifetime and beyond.

Condolence From Bobby & Jonette

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 14:43:31 EDT

So sorry for your lost. We are praying God's peace for you all. Mr. Gardner was a good person, always so nice & caring. He will truly be missed. Know that he will continue to live on in each of you until you meet again. Love The Ross Family

Photo shared: Gardner0000083A.jpg

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 05:16:53 EDT

Condolence From Janice Twardowsky

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 22:23:42 EDT

Oh how well I remember the days gone by and how special the Gardner family has been to me. A great memory of Mr. Gardner was at his office. I decided I would mess around with him and asked him if I could borrow some money. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a $1 bill. I explained that I needed some real money and he asked me how much. I explained to him that I really needed 100 times that amount and he went for his pocket again. When I realized he was really going to give me more money I told him I was kidding. I am not sure I ever convinced him I was kidding because he continued telling me he could help me if I needed the money. What a sweetheart. The Gardner family has been a Blessing in my life. Mrs. Gardner is a real Angel and has served well as a Godly woman, Mother and Wife. My heart aches for her as she begins a new season in her life. Nina, Bec and David - I know you will miss him deeply. Cherish those great memories and his legacy. Love all of you and will pray that God wraps you in His arms in the days to come.

Story shared: Through The Years

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 10:59:02 EDT

Just wanted to share the love I have for this family that is in my heart. I meet this family when I married his cousin back in 1970 and we all went to Forestwood Church together and they excepted me as their own and loved us and our children so very much. SD and Twyla has such a love for God in their hearts and always was willing to share that Love that God put there. The Bible says in John 15 : 13 "Greater Love has no man than this that , a man lay down his life for his friend " and SD and Twyla was truly a friend through all the years. This man of God will be missed but never forgotten and his memories will be in our hearts and mind forever and a day.. Looking to see him again when we all get to heaven what a great family reunion that will be. Someone once told me that dying is like when you let doves out of a cage and you see the little wings flapping as the go high into the sky you may not can see them any more but you know they are there..this is like us we may not be able to see SD any more right know but we know he will be there..

Condolence From Tracy (Best) Hardin

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:06:33 EDT

Dear Twyla, Aunt Nina, Becky, David, and to all of Mr. Gardner's cherished Grandchildren :) I was so sadden to get the phone call from sweet Laura...The Gardner's are like family to us. I know he is at peace and he is having a grand time with the Lord and my wonderful Grandparents. We were all so blessed to have him in our lives for so long...he was such an incredibly sweet and funny man. I have so many fond memories with him :) thank you all for sharing him with us. My prayers and love go out to y'all. Sincerely, Garrett, Tracy, & Kylie Hardin

Condolence From Andy Glass

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 17:03:07 EDT

Dearest Twyla, Nina Beth, Becky and David, I am so sorry to hear about SD last night. The Gardner family is very special to the Glass family. We are very thankful for your love and friendship over the years. Twyla, you and SD were like my Aunt and Uncle and still, to this day, I have fond memories of you at Forestwood Bible Church and our visits at your home. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and keep you during this time. May the Lord turn your sadness to joy with the knowledge that we will see SD again, strong, vibrant, smiling and laughing. He is with our Lord and what better place can he be than there? I send my love and encouragement to you and may the Lord of Peace be with you and your family.

Condolence From Shirley Effinger Cox

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 16:37:33 EDT

Mrs. Gardner, Nina, Becky and David, I am truly sorry for your loss. I can't stress enough, the influence that your family had on me as a child and throughout the years. An iconic family that blessed me in many ways. My life was truly enriched to have each of you in my life. I will miss S.D., but I know the angels are rejoicing and I will see him again. God bless each and everyone of you.

Story shared: The Watch Maker

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 16:25:16 EDT

I originally wrote this story on Nina Beth's Facebook page but would like to share it with the family:

Growing up in Forestwood Bible Church, SD and Twyla were like my Uncle and Aunt. Twyla taught me in Sunday School for most of my young life and SD was the best watch drawer on the planet. Many a Sunday night he would sit on the pew and draw watches on our (the kids) wrists and introduce us to the ol' "Indian burn." Between SD and JC Maxie, you could not have had two better "Uncle's" to have grown up with. I love SD and Twyla and know that I started on a great spiritual journey because of their influence. I look forward to seeing SD in heaven, so we can sit together on a bench next to the streets of gold and he can draw me another watch on my wrist. That watch will last for an eternity. Love and prayers.

Photo shared: Gardner 001.jpg

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 03:03:37 EDT