Kenneth Lyle Gardner

Kenneth Lyle (Ken) Gardner, 82, died at home on October 31, 2026, after a period of declining health.

The family is indebted to physician Dr. Terry Arnold and his staff for their attentiveness and personal

guidance during his decline, and to Alderwood Hospice for their care the last few weeks.

Ken was the oldest of five children born to Verna Boals and Thomas Lyle Gardner. He was

predeceased by his parents, sisters Gayle Cluff, Darlene Philpot and brother Richard Gardner. He is

survived by brother Harry Gardner and wife Kathie, sister-in-law Sue Gardner, brother-in-law Terry

Philpot.

Ken grew up in Collingswood, NJ, an outstanding high school athlete in several sports. He was

recruited by Press Maravich to play basketball at Clemson University and chose to attend college

there. He played freshman ball under George Krajack and varsity ball under Coach Bobby Roberts. At

Clemson he was also a member of Tiger Brotherhood and DKA social fraternity. With his teammates

and fraternity brothers, “Stick” maintained lifelong friendships. He graduated from Clemson with a BA

in history, a lifelong passion of his.

Ken and coed Susan Moore married shortly after college graduation and have been married for 59

years. Together they raised three children: Meredith Gardner, Washington, DC, a Clinical Director and

Therapist, Geoff Gardner, Richmond, VA, a Financial Planner and Advisor, and Greg Gardner,

Annapolis, MD, an Architect and Developer.

Most of Kens’ career was in sales management for the furniture industry. He was Sales Manager with

Burlington Furniture, President of Globe division of Burlington, and Vice President of sales with The

Pearson Company. His extensive travel allowed him to visit 49 of the 50 states (never got to Hawaii)

and many European and South American Counties. While living in Lexington he was a member of

Rotary Club, on the YMCA board, and lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church.

Ken’s family has grown with seven grandchildren: Grayson, Harrison, Elle, Finn, Gresham, Evangeline,

and Seraphina as well as the addition of daughters Paige Gardner, Ellen Richardson, and Samantha

Gardner.

A private family interment will be held at First Presbyterian Church Columbarium. Friends and family

are invited to a Celebration of Life at the family home (604 Bellwood Street, Lexington, NC 27292) on

Friday, November 6th, 3:00 – 6:00pm.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 15 W 3rd Avenue, Lexington, NC 27292