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MILL SPRING – Jay Bennett Gardner, 59, of Mill Spring, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, February 18, 2022.
Born in Kane County, IL, he was the son of the late Dale Otis Gardner and Ethel Mae Goins Gardner. Jay was a veteran having served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After serving his country, Jay went on to become a carpenter working in the construction business. Jay and his wife Barbara moved to Polk County in 2015 coming from Illinois. After coming to Polk County, he drove a School Bus and loved all the children on his route. When not working, Jay enjoyed golfing and watching the Dallas Cowboys.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Valerie Dale. Surviving is his wife of 31 years, Barbara Gilmore Gardner; one son, Steven Gardner (Jennifer) of West Chicago, IL; two daughters, Alicia Nemec (Patrick) of St. Charles, IL and Kim Gardner of Yorkville, IL; one stepson, Jeremy Blevins (Cara) of Newark, IL; one stepdaughter, Amy Zapfel (Jason) of Oswego, IL; two sisters, Terri Annis of Elgin, IL and Phyllis Rudolph (Robert) of Lake In The Hills, IL; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Allen (Dennis Haynes) of Tryon and Kathy Brown (Loren) of Milan, IN; his sidekick, Bella. Also, surviving are five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Illinois.
Memorials may be made to Polk Schools Fund at Polk County Community Foundation, 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, North Carolina 28782.
An online guest register is available at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Tryon, North Carolina