William "Larry" Gardner was born to Harold and Annie (Russell) Gardner in Chicago, Illinois in 1952. He was the 5th of 8 children: Glenn, Richard, Russell, Steve, Charlie, Peggy, and Earl. He was a loving husband to his late wife, Nancy (Algood) Gardner, and an incredible dad to his two daughters, Lisa Johnston (Scott) and Lesli Evans (Mike). He was Papaw to (Lisa) Mary Kay, Patrick, Will and (Lesli) Shyanne, Cody, Katelyn, Sam. He was a great grandfather to 5 boys, a friend to many, and a mentor to several. He was an explorer and an adventurer.  His love of adventure and discovery led him to a career in the oil field he excelled at.

He was a traveler and a collector. He collected so many things, but the ones he treasured the most were the things that reminded him of those he loved.

He was all of this and so much more.

Larry completed his final hitch on August 17, 2024, in Newton. Mississippi, and we can take it from here. We know he is in a place where he always hits his depths on time, his pipe is never stuck, and his family is all around the table in time for dinner.

In lieu of flowers,  please consider donations in memory of Larry to the American Legion Post 89,  P.O. Box 472 Decatur, MS 39327.