Info Sheet/Obituary - William P. "Woody" Gardner
Died 26 January 2024 - comments
Obituary
William "Woody" Price Gardner Jr., age 77, of McAlpin, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, January 26, 2024, after a hard but short battle with emphysema. Woody's wife of almost 23 years, Leci, was with him. He was born in Pennington Gap, Virginia, on July 26, 1946, to Muriel (Vann) and William Price Gardner Sr. Woody was an Army "brat" as his dad was career Army. He lived all over the world, but other than Wyoming, he liked Suwannee County the best. Woody was most proud of his service in the Army in Vietnam. Stationed at Cu Chi, Vietnam, a Crew Chief and Gunner on a Helicopter Gun Ship, also known as a Hog. He came home with a Bronze Star, 9 Air Medals, and 2 Air Medals with Valor Device, among many others. He also came home with lots of war stories, funny, sad, and downright scary, which are located at www.centaursinvietnam.org and click on essays.
Woody was preceded in death by his father, William Price Gardner Sr.; mother, Muriel Vann Gardner; and brother, Gary Gardner. He is survived by his wife, Valecia “Leci” Lee; son, Gerard Gardner (Courtney); daughter, Star Gardner Roberts (Caleb); stepdaughter, Larea Statham (Shane); daughter, Angel Gardner of Arizona; and 6 wonderful grandchildren, whom he was fiercely protective of.
There will be a Homegoing Celebration since he gave his life to Jesus on February 13, 2022. Visitation with the family will be held at 1:00 p.m., and the service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Living Springs Family Worship Center, 26471 FL-247, Branford, Florida 32008, with Pastor Randy Miller Officiating. Please dress casually. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made directly to the funeral home or online under the donation tab to help with funeral expenses. Woody's cremation arrangements are entrusted to the very capable hands of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL & CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063. (904) 259-2806. Please share condolences with the Gardner Family online at www.blackburncurryfh.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Woody" Price Gardner Jr., please visit our floral store.
Pat Eastes: Besides our many adventures in the Centaurs, we went to high school together when our fathers were stationed at Ft Bliss, and besides our meetings at reunions, Woody visited me in Wyoming.
He, as you know, was a ballsy crew chief, and I always loved having him in the back seat covering our butts. He will be missed. Juaquin
Rick Arthur: I was one of the pilots that flew with Woody in CuChi. He deserves to be recognized for his hard work and bravery. Sorry he’s gone I know his family is comforted by his legacy. Proud to have served with him.
Bruce Powell: Woody was one of those great Crew Chief/Gunners that you wanted on your gunship when the bullets were flying. He knew his aircraft and kept it in great shape. He was damn good with his M-60. I too, was proud to have served with him.