Roland Gardner

STANTONSBURG - Roland L. Gardner, 87, died Saturday, November 9, 2013.

Funeral, Tuesday, 11:00 AM, Stantonsburg United Methodist Church, with interment in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson.

A Harnett County native, he left high school at the height of World War II and joined the Army and was soon in action. In recent years, he was among the many Tar Heels to be awarded their delayed high school diploma by a special proclamation from the General Assembly.

Mr. Gardner had served as Mayor and Commissioner in addition to being Town Manager for many years. An involved citizen, he served in leadership roles for the Fire Department, Boy Scout Troop 60, Stantonsburg Kiwanis Club, American Legion, County Planning Board, Industrial Development Commission, Upper Coastal Plains Regional Council of Government and as a Trustee of his church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Merritt Gardner in 2002; a son, R.L. "Bobby" Gardner; sisters, Naomi Truelove and Celia Ann Spencer; brothers Nathan J. Gardner and Julius "Red" Gardner.

Surviving is his daughter, Brenda Beamon (Danny) of Saratoga; granddaughter, Gloria Roberts (Art) of Wilson; grandson, Mike Beamon (Michelle) of Rock Ridge; grandchildren, Caitie and Abbie Beamon, Autumn Cale and Hanna Roberts; sisters, Margie Shelton (John) of Stantonsburg and Dorothy Winstead of Wilson; brother, Homer Gardner (Georgia) of Wilson; sisters-in-law, Patsy Liles (Ron) and Frankie Braswell (Larry Bridgers) of Stantonsburg, Eveline Gardner of Dunn; 14 nieces and nephews; special close friend, Jane Rose and her family.

The family will be at Wilson Memorial Service, Monday, 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

Memorials are suggested to the Stantonsburg United Methodist Church, PO Box 307, Stantonsburg NC 27883-0307.