Gary Ray Gardner

Gary Ray Gardner, age 68, of Thornton, AR and Bryant, AR, died Monday, July 15, 2023 at Arkansas Heart Hospital in Benton, AR. He was born January 23, 1956 in Bernice, LA. He was the son of Author Ray Gardner and Jo Ann McIntosh Gardner, his parents and sister Kathy Diane Gardner and grandparents Clete and Louise Gardner and Frank and Ada McIntosh preceded him in death. Gary is survived by his wife of 51 years Evelyn Carol Gray Gardner, his sons Jamie Dewayne Gardner and wife Andrea Gardner, and Eric Anthony Gardner and wife Sara Gardner of Bryant AR. He is also survived by his brother, Ricky Gardner and wife Charlotte of Harmony Grove, AR, his two sisters Judith Ann Hammond and Pam Brown and husband Danny of Bearden AR.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman, and retired forester for Georgia Pacific. He loved his wife and sons, his dogs Anna, Chey and Cocoa. Gary's favorite past time was relaxing in his recliner watching football or any sports with his puppies at his feet.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Mt. Patrick Cemetery in Bernice LA care of Carolyn Elliott at 11778 Hwy 2 Bernice, LA 71222.

Visitation will be Thursday, 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 pm at Benton Funeral Home. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .