Mr. Raven “Sam” Gardner, U.S. Army Veteran, loving husband, loyal father, proud grandfather, wonderful great-grandfather, and a dear brother, left this world for the portals of eternity on Sunday, January 10, 2021, two months shy of his 89th birthday, at his home in the Ringgold Community.
A lifelong resident of Scott County, Mr. Gardner was a graduate of Ringgold High School, where he played football. His high school years are where his longtime support and appreciation began as an avid sports fan. He was a loyal supporter of Scott Central Rebel sports, in specific the football program. He also held a strong passion for the New Orleans Saints. Mr. Gardner was a retired security guard with Pinkerton Security Company, who enjoyed gardening and fishing; he loved his family very much.
He is preceded in death by his wife: Mrs. Faye Ivy Gardner (2008); one son: Bruce Black; one son-in-law: Robert S. Wall, Jr.; his parents: Sam and Dollie Harrell Gardner and one sister: Claudie Tadlock.
He is survived by two daughters: Dollie Stagner of Flora and Sandra Wall of Forest; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers: Walter Amis Gardner and Robert Baker (Linda) Gardner; a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, January 15, 2021 from the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in the Piketon community, with Rev. Ed Knowles and Rev. Jimmy Clark officiated. Interment followed in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery with military honors under the direction of Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest.
Visitation was Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home and on Friday, from 12:00 pm – 1:45 pm at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.
Serving as pallbearers were Dudley Denson, Chance Jolly, Coyt Webb, George Anthony, Joe Clark and Tony Hill.
Honorary pallbearers were Ethan “Ruster” Ellingburg and Tommy Hedge.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors of Mississippi, 1357 Wade Patrick Rd, Brandon, MS 39042.
