Mr. Donald Ray "Bird" Gardner

“For Safety Reasons, the Family Will Be Observing COVID-19’s Rules”

The family members and friends will be observing the COVID-19 Governor’s Mandates (Face Masks and Social Distancing will be required)

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. “ (II Timothy 4:7-8)  

In profound sorrow, the Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service join with the Gardner family to announce Mr. Donald Ray Gardner of La Grange, North Carolina, age 63, has completed his earthly journey. 

He was lovingly known by his family members and friends as “Bird”. 

Mr. Donald transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, August 28, 2020 at the Vidant Inpatient Hospice Center in Greenville, North Carolina.  

Donald was born in Lenoir County, North Carolina November 29, 1956 to the late Mr. Harold Gardner and Mrs. Penina Waters-Gardner.

He received his education in the Lenoir County Public School System and Donald graduated from North Lenoir High School in the Class of 1975.

He attended and worshiped with Taylor’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in La Grange, North Carolina.

During his working years, Donald was employed with DuPont Plant as a machine operator.  Also, he was employed with Cleveland Gear and Buehler Products all of Kinston, North Carolina.  Donald worked and served his community well until his health began to decline. 

Brother Gardner was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Harold Gardner and Mrs. Penina Waters-Gardner; his five brothers, Mr. Prentice Gardner, Mr. Lawrence Gardner, Mr. James Gardner, Mr. John Gardner and Mr. Clifton Gardner; his two sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Sutton and Ms. Linda Gardner. 

A public viewing will be conducted Wednesday, Sept 2, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in the Britt Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 414 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina 28551. 

Also, a celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, Sept 2, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. in the Britt Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 414 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina 28551.  Elder Dexter Waters will officiate.

Interment will be held in the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery, 195 West James Street, La Grange, North Carolina 28551.

Brother Gardner leaves to cherish his loving and precious memories to his children, Mr. Donta Gardner and wife, LaPorscha of La Grange, North Carolina, Mr. Travis Tate of Rhode Island and Mr. Rodney Pridgen and wife Emily of Goldsboro, North Carolina; his six sisters, Mrs. Pinnie Whitfield, Mrs. Geraldine Becton and husband Jimmy, Mrs. Nina Jones, Mrs. Irene Sutton and husband, James all of La Grange, North Carolina, Mrs. Ava Rouse of Goldsboro, North Carolina and Mrs. Lois Flowers of Baltimore, Maryland; his two grandchildren, Cameron Gardner and Trinity Robinson; his uncle, Mr. John H. Waters and wife, Sue of La Grange, North Carolina; his aunt, Mrs. Inez Alston of La Grange, North Carolina; his special friends, T.C. Richardson, Jimmy McPhail, Alvin Parks and Melvin Parks; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.

On September 2, 2020, the family members and friends will assemble at Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 414 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina at 9:50 a.m. in preparation for the funeral procession.

Floral arrangements may be delivered to Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 414 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina beginning on Tuesday morning, September 1, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cards, Love-Grams and Condolences may be faxed to Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service at 252-566-5604 or posted on line at www.lagrangefuneralservice.com or by calling Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service at 252-566-5603.

Professional services, of love and care, are entrusted to:  Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, LLC in La Grange, North Carolina.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mr. Donald Ray "Bird" Gardner, please visit our Tree Store.