Elm City -

Hilliard Turner Gardner, also affectionately known as "Red", age 89, died peacefully on July 14, 2025 at Wilson Rehab and Nursing Facility. He was born on the 12th of December 1935 to Turner Gardner, Sr., and Mildred Thomas Gardner, both of whom preceded him in death.

After graduating from Gardner's School, he secured employment at China American Tobacco Company and remained in the tobacco industry until he retired. During his retirement, he could usually be found tending to his beloved garden. He thoroughly enjoyed growing vegetables and fruits to share with the Town Creek community. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren, Gracie and Zane. Most other times, he could be found visiting his brothers, Billy and Doug, as well as venturing down to Bridgersville Store to engage with fellow neighbors. Most recently, Turner became a member of Wilbanks Christian Church and was baptized during his stay in the nursing home.

In addition to his parents, Turner was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Rebecca Bridgers Gardner and brothers, Billy and Doug Gardner.

He is survived by his daughters, Cindy Inglin (Ray) and Sheila Gregory (Jason) and grandchildren, Gracie Inglin and Zane Gregory, all of Charleston, SC. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Yvonne Gardner of Elm City; former sister-in-law, Paulette Hawkins of Macclesfield; nephews, Phil Gardner of Elm City and Scott Gardner (Jamie) of Rocky Mount; nieces, Karen Wingfield (Jeff) and Donna Morris, all of Elm City as well as several great nephews and great nieces.

We invite family and friends to join us in remembering and celebrating his life at 10AM on July 26th at Autrey's Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 588 Otter Creek Road, Macclesfield with Dwight Batts officiating.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many staff at Wilson Rehab and Nursing Facility for the care and kindness he received during his stay, Wilson Hospice, and to a former home caregiver, Angela Smith. Additionally, we appreciate those who spent time with him, especially Yvonne Gardner, Karen Wingfield and Scott Gardner who visited him on a regular basis. The family would also like to thank Dwight Batts, Associate Minister of Wilbanks Christian Church, for giving him the opportunity to be baptized during his stay at the nursing home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wilbanks Christian Church, 6128 NC 41, Elm City, NC 27822.