Billie Lee Gardner

Billie Lee Gardner, 76, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, passed away on November 27, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

He was born on May 19, 1948, to James and Mary (Dees) Gardner at Kennett, Missouri. On September 2, 1989, Billie married Karen Smith in Marshall, Michigan.

Billie had a life time of adventures. He shared many stories from when he was a young boy picking cotton with his brothers in Missouri. He had so many adventures growing up. His best grandpa stories were of him playing with the grandchildren, taking them fishing, giving rides on lawnmowers and golf cart. We are extremely proud of his military service, ranging from being the top recruiter in the state of Michigan, to being assigned with the Special Forces in the Viet-Nam War. He will be missed by many.

In his free time, Billie enjoyed small engine repair, fishing and playing with grandchildren. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans in Savannah, Georgia. 

Billie is survived by his wife of 35 years Karen; children Billie (Shawn) Gardner, II, Kathryn Gardner, and Adrian (Derick) Monroe; grandchildren Carolyn Freeman, Billie Gardner, III, Brittiny Gardner, Patrick Gardner, Skyler (Chrysta) Gardner, Riley Gardner, Zoe Monroe, and Jade Monroe; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers Jim (Charlotte) Gardner, Tom (Judy) Gardner, Eddie Gardner, and Raymond (Michelle) Gardner; sisters Ann Lambert, Mary Lou (Bob) Brooks; mother-in-law Helen Smith; two brothers-in-law, Rocky (Pat) Smith and Jerry Stepp; sister-in-law, Glenda Gardner; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law Harold Smith; brothers Kenneth Gardner and Harry Gardner; sisters Charlotte Gardner and Sandra Kay Gardner; sister-in-law Rhonda Stepp and niece Jessica Butler.

Billie will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.

For memorial donations in Billie’s honor, please consider the Disabled American Veterans.