Richard Ezra Gardner Jr

Richard Ezra Gardner Jr, 83 of Biloxi passed away on November 25, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. He was born on September 27, 1941 in Louin, Mississippi to the late Richard Ezra Gardner Sr & Nina Davis Gardner. Richard is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mable Butler; and brothers, Davis Gardner, and Steve Gardner; and grandmother, Margaret Davis. 

Richard graduated from Bay Springs High School and went to Jones County Junior College. He graduated from the University Southern Mississippi University and earned a degree in Education. Richard went on to obtain his Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Georgia. After graduating college, Richard began teaching and started a career with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation where he was a counselor. Richard moved to Long Beach in 1979 and has lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since.

Richard was a founding member of Parkway Baptist Church. The church and church family meant everything to Richard, where he taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon. Richard also enjoyed being a part of the Men’s Bible Study. He had several hobbies, including collecting rare coins and baseball cards. Richard was an avid fan of the Mississippi State Bulldogs, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco Giants. Richard was a very outgoing and friendly person, who always a had funny joke, a witty smile, and personable greeting for everyone he met. Family meant everything to Richard, and he loved traveling to visit his children and grandchildren. He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and friend to so many, and his legacy lives on in all of us.

Richard is survived by his loving sons, Richard E. (Sherry) Gardner III, and Chris (Faith) Gardner; grandchildren, Stella (Harris) Moye, Ezra Gardner, Lincoln Gardner, and Aiden Gardner. Richard also leaves behind to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, friends, church family, and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Parkway Baptist Church (17284 MS 67, Biloxi). His Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11:00 am at Parkway Baptist Church. 

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi is assisting the family.