Willie Lindsay Gardner was born September 6, 1936, to proud parents Rev. Wash Gardner and Annie Bell “Dallas” Alexander Gardner in Lowndes County, Alabama. Both of Willie’s parents and his only sibling, Wash Gardner, Jr., preceded him in death. Willie entered into eternal rest on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Willie accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior early in life and was baptized at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church, pastored by John Betts. He graduated high school from the Lowndes County Training School.
Willie left the South to pursue a better way of life. He moved to San Francisco in 1957 and stayed with his cousin Cass Peterson. In 1958 he sent for his childhood sweetheart Ethel Mary Lowe, they married in 1958. Despite later separating, they remained dear friends and he embraced her daughter Sheryl and granddaughter Emerald like his own.
In 1958 he united with the Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1928 Fillmore Street, under the pastorage of the late Pastor Wadlin Roy Drummer, where he served faithfully as a Deacon and was a member of the Senior Choir, where he used his God-given talent to sing praises to the Lord. Willie was often asked to sing on different occasions. His favorite singers were Mahalia Jackson and Lee Williams.
In 1964, Willie was part of the grand opening of the Hilton Hotel, where he retired in 2001 as the Chief Engineer, after working for 40 years. Willie was admired and loved by all his co-workers and was highly respected.
In 1977 he later united with the New Providence Baptist under the Pastorage of Clarence W. Scott. After the passing of Pastor Scott, Pastor Michael Gilmore became his Pastor, and as Pastor Gilmore said, “Willie soon became his Boss.” Willie became the engineer at New Providence and took pride in everything he did. He was always willing to do whatever needed to be done. He was ordained as a Deacon and served well in his assignment. He was a member of the Voices, Inspiration, and Mass Choirs and at one time was the choir musician. Willie had no children of his own but was always giving his time and finances to children and young adults. He took pride in sitting behind and operating the audio sound system.
After retirement, Willie stayed in close contact with those he had supervised, once a year they would have a reunion and Willie made sure he would attend.
Michael and Willie loved to travel, some of his travels included a European tour of Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, and Morocco. They also visited Hawaii and their favorite and most memorable trip was cruising through the Panama Canal. Willie and Michael spent most holidays at the Goi’s home, whom they loved dearly.
Preceding him in death, his nephew Willie Gardner, his niece Felecia, and his favorite cousins Henrietta Lee, Eddie, and Dorothy Drummer, whom he affectionately called Pop and Dorothy.
He leaves to cherish his memories his life partner of 40 years, Michael Wilson who also was his caregiver; his beloved dog Raven; his nephew Washington Gardner of Fairborn, Ohio; two nieces Brenda Gardner and Mollie Gardner of Montgomery, Alabama; two first cousins Cass Gardner and Ann Duncan; his goddaughter Dominque Goi; Ed and Christine Goi, Andy Popp, his Hilton family, Arlene Drummer, Brinda Drummer, Ethel Lowe, Gertie Walker, Florida Hill, Lola Marshall, James McKeever, and Leslie Johnson.
