John Wayne Gardner

Mr. John Wayne Gardner, age 59, of Mount Airy, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston Salem.  He was born on August 29, 1964, in Orange County, Florida to the late Wayne Joseph and Jane Frances Simmons Gardner.  John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a faithful attendee of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Mount Airy.  Mr. Gardner was a longtime member of the White Plains Volunteer Fire Department in his current rank of Assistant Chief.  Surviving is his wife, Julia “Dawn” Hegler Gardner; a daughter and son-in-law, Vanessa Church and husband Charles; a son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan Wayne Gardner and wife Meagan; four grandchildren, Kannon Gardner, Tripp Gardner, Carson Soriano, and Barrett Church; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Libby Simmons and husband Billy, Vickie Simpson and husband Ricky; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Tickle Gardner; along with many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Gardner.  A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Mount Airy with the Reverend Bill Perkins and Pastor Eric Simmons officiating.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Oak Grove Baptist Church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.