Elton Randolph Gardner ("Randy"), passed away on July 5, 2025, at age 97, after a brief illness; and was pre-deceased by his Wife Mary Frances Gardner on July 5, 2000.  He was born in Nashville, North Carolina to a farmer and homemaker; went on to live in Rocky Mount, North Carolina; and most recently resided in Tampa, Florida.

Randy was in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal before being Honorably Discharged.  He worked as a service station attendant, truck driver, fireman, meat cutter and meat delivery driver for Swift & Co., and last owned his own home-building construction company, E.R. Gardner Masonry from which he retired.

Randy was preceded in death by his siblings: Donald Gardner, Shirley Gardner and Leverne Gardner.  He is survived by his sisters:  Janet Gardner Inscoe and Dorothy Gardner; his children:  Elton E. Gardner (Kathy); W. Randolph Gardner (Bobbie); Vikki L. Gardner Reynolds (Dennis); his step-children:  L. Lorrain Dunigan; Jackie Thibault; Karen Clark (Kenny); Paula Bland; and Robert Dunigan (Terri); 14 grand-children; 19 great grand-children; nieces, nephews; and so many others who loved him.

Randy enjoyed riding his motorcycle in earlier days, but most recently spent his time watching the Tampa Bay Rays and had started to enjoy the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, walking around the neighborhood visiting his neighbors, visiting the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to play the slots, playing cards with his children and going out to eat.

The family will inter Randy at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, on August 5, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.  Please feel free to make a donation to your favorite charity in his honor or to a homeless shelter or local animal rescue.

Please know that everyone is welcome to leave their online condolences on the website of MacDonald Funeral Home & Cremation Services (https://www.macdonaldfuneral.com/).