John David Gardner, Jr.

John David Gardner, Jr.

Birmingham, Alabama

John David Gardner, Jr., 68, of Birmingham, Alabama, entered into rest on February 18, 2021, and the world became a dimmer place with his passing.

Mr. Gardner was born on January 22, 1953 to the late John and Louise Gardner, in Thomson, Georgia.  He grew up in Thomson with his sister, Lee Ann Gardner where he attended Thomson High School.  Mr. Gardner graduated from Rabun Gap Nacoochee School in 1971 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army where he was a member of the Army band.  He graduated from Georgia College in Milledgeville and did graduate work at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  Mr. Gardner taught school for a time before settling into his career as a technical writer in the Atlanta area.  David enjoyed reading, listening to music, cooking, and was an avid sports enthusiast (GO DAWGS!).

Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise Gardner.  He is survived by his sister, Lee Ann Gardner, of Birmingham, Alabama, as well as first cousin Albert Gardner (Janette) of Miami, FL and an aunt, Clytice Gardner of Brandon, Mississippi.

A graveside service will be held February 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Savannah Valley Memorial Gardens, Thomson, Georgia with Rev. Mike Sutphin, officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Global Mission Fund at The Church of Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama or to the Shelby County Alabama Humane Society.

Per CDC requirements, the family will be observing social distancing.  Masks are required and appreciated.  If you are uncomfortable attending, the family would appreciate your phone calls, cards, texts, and e-mails.

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is honored to serve the family of John David Gardner Jr.