Keith I Gardner

Keith I. Gardner, 95, of Corinth, MS, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Mississippi Care Center. He was born in Saltillo, TN on December 1, 1924 to the late C.I. and Maude Craig Gardner and was married to his wife Betty Tankersley Gardner on May 25, 1946. Keith was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and served in the European theater under General George Patton and was a participant in the Battle of the Bulge. A sergeant and squad leader in the Combat Infantry, he was awarded two bronze service stars. He was a 36 year employee of Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works and a faithful member of Tate Baptist Church since 1946 where he served as an usher, sang in the church choir for over 30 years and worked in the nursery for over 18 years. Keith enjoyed hunting, fishing and keeping his yard beautiful. He loved his family and friends and will forever be remembered in the hearts of those he loved. Visitation is scheduled from 9:30-11:30 am Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Magnolia Funeral Home – East. Masks and social distancing are required. A Celebration of Keith’s life will be held with military honors at 11:30 am Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Magnolia Funeral Home – East Chapel officiated by Bro. Mickey Trammel. A eulogy will be offered by Charlie Browning. Interment will follow in Corinth National Cemetery. Magnolia Funeral Home – East Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements. Honorary pallbearers will be members of his Sunday school class. Those left to honor Keith’s memory include his sister, Rita Kay Brueck and husband Les of Memphis, TN; his sister-in-law, Oral Gardner; a special friend, Gloria Nixon Jones and husband Larry of Oakland, TN; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Betty Tankersley Gardner; his brothers, Harold Gardner, Haryse Lee Gardner, Neal Gardner, Stentson Gardner, and Wayne Andy Gardner; his sisters, Pauline Dellinger, Alene Newcomb, Lucille Woodall, Addie Irene Gardner, and Annie Louise Gardner. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tate Baptist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at magnoliafuneralhome.net. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/64PSNCHFLXP5CYYL