E.O. Gardner, Jr.

E.O. Gardner, Jr., 91 of Brandon, MS left this earthly world to be with his loving wife in heaven on Monday, February 22, 2021.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 10:00am until 11:00am at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon. Private family services will follow. Graveside services will follow at 12:00pm at Mayton Cemetery in Puckett, MS. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Geraldine “Gerri” Gardner; sisters, Ethel Lee Draughn and Freddie Mae Gardner.

E.O. was born in Puckett, MS on December 7, 1929 to the late E.O. Gardner, Sr., and Minnie Lee Gill Gardner.

After graduating from Puckett High School in May 1948, E.O. enlisted in the United States Air Force. After basic training, he was assigned to Headquarters, 4th Air Force, Hamilton Air Force Base, San Rafael, California with duty assignment in the Comptroller Division. E.O. was discharged from the Air Force in 1952 but continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve for three additional years. In September 1952, he enrolled at Mississippi Southern College (Now University of Southern Mississippi) and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and Accounting in 1956.

E.O. met the love of his life, Geraldine “Gerri” Ferguson on the 18th day of February 1955 and they were married on the 18th day of March 1956.

In January 1957 he accepted a position with the United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO) in the accounting department and retired as Budget Analyst December 31, 1984. E.O. joined the Mississippi Army National Guard in May 1957 and received a direct commission as 2nd Lt. He served in various duty assignments and received numerous awards and commendations for exceptionally meritorious service, retiring as Lt. Colonel, December 31, 1984.

He was Past Master of Tyrian Masonic Lodge #427 and served as Secretary for several years. He was also a 32” KCCH member of Valley of Jackson Scottish Rite and York Rite Commandery #1, a lifetime member of Wahabi Shriners, where he served as Recorder form 1985 -2011, Past Director of Court #143 Royal Order of Jesters and Past Worthy Patron, Brandon Chapter #269 Order of the Eastern Star.

E.O. was a former member of First Baptist Church of Brandon and a charter member of Brandon Baptist Church, Brandon, MS.

He is survived by son, Steve Gardner (Cheryl); sister, Jean Hayes; grandchildren, Carolyn Marie Wong (Garrett), Catherine Nicole Brown (Jason), Kevin Andrew Gardner (Allison); great-grandchildren, Hunter Wong, Alex Wong, Charlie Wong, Cody Brown, and Landon Brown; nephews, Greg Graves, David Draughn; niece, Gina Mashburn, and other relatives and may friends.