Rev. Randy Gardner
71, Columbia
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Bunker Hill Baptist Church for Rev. Randy Gardner, a servant of God, 71, of Columbia, who passed from this life into God’s presence on Wednesday, June 14. Burial followed in New Bunker Hill Cemetery. Rev. Brian Stewart and Dr. Gary Roberson officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until the time of the services on Friday, June 16, at Bunker Hill Baptist Church.
He was born in Prentiss to Howard and Bobbie Gardner and was raised in Bassfield, where he graduated from high school. He worked offshore in the oil and gas industry for 13 years before he was called into the ministry. He graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a degree in Pastoral Ministries and began pastoring in 1994. He was Bro. Randy from that point on as he served his first two churches in Lawrence County, Old Hebron Baptist Church and Oak Vale Baptist Church. He pastored Bunker Hill Baptist Church for 18 years when he retired from fullime ministry. He had a pastor’s heart and continued to preach as pulpit supply for several churches around the area. For the past three years, he has continued to minister to families while working visitations and assisting on funerals with Colonial Funeral Home. He was devoted to his family, he was kind, compassionate, and generous with his time and resources. He will be remembered for his wit, wisdom, and a wonderful sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Gardner; sister, Wanda Gardner; and daughter, Kelly Williamson.
Survivors include his wife, Carmen Gardner; mother, Bobbie Gardner; sister, Doris Viniard; two granddaughters, Emily Williamson and Jenna Pickering (Keegan); a great-grandson to arrive in July, Soren Luke Pickering; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Chad Viniard, Scott Williamson, Michael Williamson, Garrett Douglas, James Fagan and Byron Anderson II.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorial donations be made in his honor to the Bunker Hill Baptist Church Parking Lot Fund.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialfuneralhomes-ms.com for the Gardner family. Arrangements entrusted to Colonial Funeral Home.
