William Gardner

William "Wild Bill" Gardner, age 78, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Bill's life was marked by his love of music, the outdoors, and his country, but he will be remembered most for his deep devotion to family, especially his grandchildren who were the light of his life.

Born to Floyd and Helen Gardner, Bill grew up with a love for music and an eagerness to learn. A man of many talents, he was a gifted vocalist and musician. A self-taught pianist and organist, Bill loved his time on stage during his younger years, performing in several bands.

Beyond music, Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, always working on perfecting his sport. His adventurous spirit and love for the land will be remembered fondly by all who shared these experiences with him.

Bill was also known as a skilled carpenter and had an incredible ability to fix anything that was broken, skills that endeared him to family and friends alike. He could often be found tinkering on gadgets or making gifts for grandchildren. His resourcefulness was paired with a great sense of humor, leaving a trail of laughter wherever he went.

As a proud American, Bill was deeply patriotic. He loved his country and valued its freedoms, often sharing his views with those around him and encouraging others to appreciate the liberties they enjoyed.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Womack (Ed), and his beloved grandson Cameron Lowrey. Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, JoAnn Gardner, with whom he shared many years of love and partnership. His legacy also lives on through his children: son John Defriece (Teresa), daughters Karma Shay Parker (David), Helen Suzzanne Baker (Jason), and Beau Sneed. His sister, Kathy Burn (Alvin), also survives him. Bill was a proud and loving grandfather to his grandchildren: Zach Owenby (Jessica), Aubrey "Sparkplug" Lee, Madison "LilliAnne" Baker, Mackenzie "Kenzi Rose" Baker, Levi William Edward Baker, A.J. Sneed, Jessica Sneed, and Brianna Defriece. His great-grandchildren, Cooper Owenby and Rhett Owenby, brought him immense joy, and he treasured every moment with them. Special family members; Kelly Kraft, Pam Pike, Lindy and Brian Burton, Chris Thomas, Ashton Dunn, Aleigha Enalls, Mitzie Womack, Lisa Woods, Kim Burns and also preceded in death by his sister in law, Shirley Thomas and niece Angie Wright.

Bill's love for family was evident in everything he did. He was a pillar of support and a source of wisdom, always ready to lend an ear or share a joke. His family finds comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and through the lessons he imparted to them.