Henry “Hank” Howard Gardner, Sr.

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

Memorial Gifts & Donations




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


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • 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