Rev. William R. "Billy" Gardner

Rev. William R. “Billy” Gardner, age 61, of Baxley passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023 at his residence under the care of Comfort Care Hospice surrounded by his loving family.

William was born January 13, 1962 in Cut Bank, Montana. He was licensed into the ministry by his home church, Midway Baptist Church in 2003 and was ordained in 2004. He pastored Grace Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and Asbury Church. He also served in the Appling Co. Ministerial Alliance, Southern Baptist Convention, Georgia Baptist Convention, Consolation Baptist Association, and Christmas in Action. He was a chaplain for Appling Healthcare and was recognized as Georgia Chaplain of the Day at the Capital in 2014. Brother Bill was preceded in death by his father, Willie B Gardner; and three brothers-in law, Benjamin Peacock, Kevin Kelly, and Mike Kelly.

Survivors include his wife of  almost 44 years, Kathryn J. Gardner of Baxley; daughters, Natalie Elizabeth (Kevin) Perry and Heather Michelle (Wayne) Mullis both of Baxley; son, William Christopher (Tammy) Gardner of Baxley; mother, June Lariscy Gardner of Baxley; sister, Kathryn Gardner Peacock of Brunswick; brothers, Glenn (Lynn) Gardner and David (Cheryl) Gardner both of Baxley; aunts, Loyce Lariscy of Rincon and Renee Gardner of Arnoldsville; sister-in-law, Maureen Cooler of Warner Robins; brother-in-law, Pat (Kathy) Kelly of Warner Robins. Grandchildren, Cameron, Lee, Noah, Landon, Darrell, Brandon, Leah, Selena, Olivia, Ashton, Malachi, Mariah, Miles, Myers, and Melody; and six great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Midway Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Brown, Rev. Benji McReady, and Rev. Wayne Williamson officiating.

Interment will follow in Midway Baptist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Cameron Rigby, Noah Gardner, Lee Miller, Landon Gardner, Malachi Mullis, and Ashton Carter.

Honorary pallbearers will be Appling County Ministerial Alliance, Christmas in Action, Comfort Care Hospice, Dr. Orlando Fernando and staff, and Appling Medical Group.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Gideons International, Appling Camp P.O. Box 403 Baxley, GA 31515.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.