Henry “Hank” Howard Gardner, Sr.

November 1, 1948 - September 20, 2012
Henry “Hank” Howard Gardner, Sr.


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Henry Howard “Hank” Gardner, Sr. 63, of Hampstead went to be with the Lord Thursday September 20, 2012 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center after an extended illness.

Hank was born in Wilmington November 1, 1948 the son of Henry and Vivian Fisher Gardner. He was a graduate of New Hanover High School, class of 1966, where he was a Captain in the ROTC. He went on to serve his country faithfully in the United States Coast Guard. He was a Quality Control supervisor for Carolina Meat Processors for over 25 years, an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, He was most know for his love of the ocean and spent many happy days fishing with his family and close friend Capt. Gene Shomody.

Surviving in addition to his loving parents are his children Melanie Gardner, Hal Gardner and wife Colleen, Melodye Bridges, Melisa Gardner-Dudzinski and husband Andrew, Steven Gardner, and Grandchildren Lindsey, Riley, and McKenna, brother Rick Gardner and wife Polly, His caring sister Karen Gardner. Also surviving are his extended family Hazel Lee, Lorraine,James,Tasha,Ty, Dral,Jequan,Synia,Trinity

He was a member of Oak Grove Presbyterian Church where funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Monday September 24, 2012. Reverend Harold Manning will officiate the service. Burial will follow with military honors at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family will see friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM Sunday September 23, 2012 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel, and other times at the home of his parents on Newkirk Drive.

The family request memorial contributions be made to Oak Grove Presbyterian Church 3736 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • September 23, 2012
    Marlene "Pat" Gupton says:
    Vivian, I'm sure you don't remember me but I just had to send my prayers and love on the lose of Hank. I am the niece of Cecil Andrews (Southern Bell - lived in Pine Valley) who always spoke highly of you. He knew you from clubs that the two of you belonged to in Wilmington. In 1978 you showed me some homes in the Sunset Park area since I had just moved to Wilmington and was considering purchasing. I also worked with Mary, Hank's first wife at the Corps of Engineers. I have thought of you over the years and remembered how kind you were and how much you loved your son. I know Melanie has turned out to be a beautiful young lady -- I remember her fondly. God Bless you and all the family as you remain in my prayers.

  • September 23, 2012
    Jenny Money says:
    Melanie and family, I am so sorry about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • September 23, 2012
    latashia lee says:
    May God bless and keep you in your time of grief. Mr. G. will be missed immensely. Stay strong. 2 Corinthians 5:8

  • September 21, 2012
    Hezzie & Sue Patrick says:
    Henry and Vivian so sorry to hear about Hank he will be missed by all. He left this world at a young age, but he has gone to a better world where he will be in no more pain and one day soon wel will all see him there as he greets us when we go to be with the Lord. Our deepest Sympathy to your family Hezzie and Sue

  • September 22, 2012
    Dan Chick says:
    To Hanks family: I am so sorry to learn of Hank's passing. Please accept my condolences. I am praying for peace for all of his family in the days and months ahead. I spent a lot of time with Hank during the years we worked together at Carolina Meats at Holly Ridge, NC.

  • September 20, 2012
    Steven c Gardner says:
    He was a great father and mentor, I will always love you dad.

  • September 20, 2012
    dorothy spell and susie says:
    i sorry to hear of your loss may god bless you all susieand dorothy spell

  • September 21, 2012
    Daniel and Jen Langley says:
    Hal, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • September 21, 2012
    Shannon Burke says:
    Melissa and Drew, So sorry for your loss. And glad your Daddy got see his daughter on her wedding day. God's peace to your family during this very sad time. Love you, Shannon

  • September 20, 2012
    Johannes Bron says:
    Sheila, Erik and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Hank's family. We wish you strength in the coming days, weeks and months. Your good memories of him will sustain you during these difficult days. God Bless you all!

  • September 20, 2012
    Dennis and Gayle Connors says:
    We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • September 21, 2012
    Bill and Elizabeth Reed says:
    Vivian and Henry, Know that the thoughts and prayers of your many friends are with you during this sad time.

  • September 22, 2012
    Nancy/Billie says:
    Henry and Vivian, so sorry to hear of Hanks passing but he is at peace now. Know that the Lord holds him in his hands and has taken away his suffering. Bless you and the family

  • September 22, 2012
    Terry Strandquest Wynne says:
    Henry, Vivian, Karen, Ricky & family.. I am so sad to hear of your loss. I just watched the Memory Video and it was just wonderful seeing what a beautiful baby he was and seeing what a handsome son, brother, father & grandfather he became. I know you were very proud of him and I will be praying for God's comfort for you all. He is at peace now. God Bless You All! Love, Terry

  • April 11, 2013
    Dana Convoy says:
    No words can give you solace today. I hope in time the good memories of a life together will outweigh today's pain. Rick Rick, Polly and the Gardner family, you are in our thoughts. Love, Sean and Dana Convoy