William Howard Gardner, 74, of Carrollton, MS, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson, MS. He was born on April 2, 1944.  Mr. Gardner was known by most as Bill.  He proudly served in the United States Army from November 1962 until 1965.  He retired from Greenwood Leflore Hospital in 2008 after 43 years of service.

Bill was a loving husband for 52 years to his wife, Sandra Gardner. He also leaves behind two children and three grandchildren who were all a huge inspiration in his life.  Bill enjoyed traveling and meeting people.  His hobby was gardening.  He was a member of North Winona Baptist Church.

He was a shining light to all that knew him, and now he is the shining star in the presence of the Lord. No one ever doubted his love and kindness that he showed to so many.  He was a wonderful person, and our world has been blessed for it.  His light will continue to shine through his wife and his two sons, Howard and Jeff Gardner.  Bill loved so many, had a special love for his grandchildren, and was an inspiration to so many.  He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.

The family would like to invite you to celebrate his life with us at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood, MS. Family visitation will be from 4 - 5pm and public visitation from 5 - 7pm on Thursday, July 26, 2018.  Funeral service will be held Friday, July 27, 2018 11am at the funeral home.  Prior to the service on Friday, there will be an additional visitation from 10 - 11am.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Survivors include: Wife, Sandra Gardner, Sons, William Howard Gardner, Jr. (Leigh), and Jeffrey Todd Gardner (Melanie), Grandchildren, Parker, Ella, and Elysia, Brother, Lee Gardner, Sisters, Dorothy Browning, Linda Sullivan (Dave), and Martha Ann Drewrey, Mother in Law, Frances McBride, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

"To Those I Love"

"If I should ever leave you, whom I love, to go along the silent way, grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there. I'd come - I'd come, could I but find a way! But would not tears and grief be barriers? And when you hear a song or see a bird I loved, please do not let the thought of me be sad... For I am loving you just as I always have.  You were so good to me! There are so many things I wanted still to do - so many things to say to you... Remember that I did not fear... It was just leaving you that was so hard to face... We can not see beyond... But this I know, I loved you so - 'twas heaven here with you!"