Donald (Don) Frank Gardner, Jr.

Mr. Donald (Don) Frank Gardner, Jr., 74, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at his home.  He was born on April 17, 1948 in Dade County, Miami, FL to Donald Frank Gardner, Sr. and Marilyn Jean Griffendorf Gardner.  He worked at UNC Caldwell Memorial Hospital as Chief Financial Officer for 14 years retiring in 2014.  He loved traveling, where he and his camper went all over the United States.  His particular favorite trip was to Alaska and at one point he took 4 couples on a caravan to Alaska.  His quest for traveling was to get to all 423 National Parks and he visited 378.  Don was born and raised in Miami, FL.  He and his wife Carol lived there 27 years and then moved to North Carolina.  While in Miami, his loves were boating, fishing, and diving.  When moving to North Carolina, his passion became hiking.  After retirement, his love became camping and Don never met a stranger and he made friends wherever he went.  He was an amazing person, funny, and adventurous.  He liked to tell tall tales and the world will be a sadder place without his vibrant spirit and contagious smile.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Carol) Brockman Gardner of Thomasville; two sons, Casey Gardner and wife Jennifer Elise Vaughan Gardner of Thomasville and Cary Gardner of Daytona Beach, FL; 5 grandchildren; and sister, Gail Doggett and husband Chuck of GA.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Lenoir Presbyterian Church, 1002 Kirkwood Avenue, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 with Pastor Rob Hinman officiating.  Online condolences may be sent to www.jcgreenandsons.com.

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