Jerry Douglas Gardner

Jerry Douglas Gardner, 76, of Hopkins, South Carolina, passed away on December 21, 2024, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late John Howard Gardner and Ruth Stein Ketten. As part of a military family, Jerry moved around often throughout his childhood, and while growing up across Colorado, Wyoming, California and Alaska, he discovered his love of the outdoors and adventure. His family finally settled in Columbia, SC in 1962.

Following his graduation from Columbia High School, Jerry began his career working in the cardboard manufacturing industry. He also proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1969-74. While working and serving his country, Jerry simultaneously pursued an accounting degree at the University of South Carolina, which allowed him to move into management. A true accountant at heart, he spent 21 years billing, balancing, and budgeting his way up the corporate ladder, culminating in his role as Plant Controller at two different plants. In 1989, after moving to NC, he decided to embark on a second career in government service, so he joined the IRS and spent the next 20 years as a Revenue Agent until his retirement in 2009.

In 1970, Jerry married the love of his life, Theresa Mathis Gardner, and they raised three children in a wonderful log home. As the oldest of eleven, Jerry always ensured that everyone was taken care of, and that sense of responsibility carried over as a husband and a father. No matter the circumstance, he made sure his family felt safe and secure while under his care. His love for his family was evident in every part of his life. He would often proudly share family stories, to both friends and strangers, sometimes even putting his wife and kids on the spot in the process. Some of his favorite ways to spend time with his family were traveling and playing card and board games. Later in life, his family photos were some of his favorite mementos.

Jerry was a born sportsman and would often recall tales of his athletic feats (as he remembered them). He was particularly fond of tennis, basketball, softball, and golf, but truthfully, he never met a sport he didn't like or wasn't good at. His love for the great outdoors, which began with fishing, hunting, and camping as a boy, steered him towards an active involvement in the Boy Scouts as an adult. Jerry spent 25 years in Scouting, first as a Scoutmaster in Lexington, NC at Troop 200, where he led trips through the Carolinas, New Mexico, Florida, Minnesota, and beyond. After his sons moved onward, he continued to devote his time to the organization at the District and Council levels, where he was recognized for his leadership and service. He later became a volunteer park ranger at Congaree National Park in SC to continue sharing this love of God's creation with others.

Faith was a foundational part of Jerry’s life, and his love for the Lord was evident through his service and dedication to each of his church families, first at Capital View Baptist Church in Columbia, then First Baptist Church of Lexington, NC, and later Beulah Baptist Church in Hopkins. He spent decades as a Church Treasurer, served as a Deacon, was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, and participated in numerous domestic and international mission trips where he spread his love of Jesus by his word and example. Jerry was led by his unshakable faith that living a life in Christ would secure his place in not only this world, but also the next.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, Vernon Ketten, and five of his siblings – Timothy Scott Ketten, Kathryn Whetsell, Joseph Gardner, Cheryl Gardner, and Stephen “Nicki” Gardner. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Theresa, three children – Eric (Pooja), Emily (Justin) and Todd (Katy), four grandchildren – Neil Gardner, Gia Gardner, Jaxon Spindler and Thea Spindler, five siblings – Randy Gardner (Danielle), Linda Pender, Jamie Ketten (Tina), Teresa Higgins (Pat) and Chris Ketten, as well as many other members of the Gardner, Ketten, and Mathis families.

Jerry’s family requests that his family and friends join them for a celebration of his life on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Beulah Baptist Church in Hopkins at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.