David Gardner

DAVID MILLER GARDNER   Tupelo - David Miller Gardner, 71, formerly of Memphis, died May 27, 2016. He was born July, 13, 1944, in Jackson, Mississippi, the youngest son of T.J. and Emily Thornton.   He was a graduate of Murrah High School (1963), and of the University of Southern Mississippi; he also served in the United States Army. He was married for twenty eight years to Kathleen Crane Gardner and had a long, successful career in the elevator industry   He is survived by his daughter, Shelley Gardner Floyd; grandchildren, Kate and Jake; siblings, Tommy Gardner, Becky Gardner Sellers, and Buddy Gardner; sisters-in-law, Sue Overton Gardner and Delaine Callender Gardner; brother in law, John Sellers, many nieces and nephews; many loving friends including, Josh Jones, Charles Simmons, Chris and Kelly Rea, and Tyler Hendrix. David was an avid reader, a fabulous cook, an aficionado of wit and irony, and instantly a friend to everyone he met. He will be missed by all.   A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Books from Birth, 2924 Walnut Grove Road #4, Memphis Tennessee 3811.   Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .