On September 14, 1971; Sergeant First Class (SFC) Charles Surgin Gardner (USA, Ret.), was born in Columbia, SC to the proud parentage of Ms. Annie Dell Gardner and Mr. Charles Thompson. SFC Gardner was a recent resident of Glenn Heights, TX.
He attended and graduated from C. J. Johnson Hill School in Columbia, South Carolina. Shortly after graduation, Charles enlisted in the Army where he served our Country for 20 years, retiring in 2014 as a Senior Non-Commission Officer with the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7).
While in the Army Charles served overseas in Afghanistan and during his military career he earned many combat and peace time related awards, medals, decorations and ribbons.
During and also after his Army career, Charles attended several colleges and earned the following four degrees; an Associates in Liberal Arts graduating Summa Cum Laude, in 2010 a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and in 2014 a Master of Arts Degree and this year (2020) he graduated with a 2nd Master’s Degree.
At the time of passing Charles was employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice where he held the rank of Sergeant.
Charles loved and cherished life. He would awake in the morning with a smile so big that it would literally brighten one’s day. He was always positive and hated to see people being mistreated unfairly. He lived his life with utmost respect for others, loyalty, integrity, dignity, and devotion.
He truly believed in treated people the way he, himself wanted to be treated. Charles left us with unselfish love in heart for his family and contentment with the life displayed by the unselfish life he lived.
Charles was preceded in death by his younger brother; Shelton Orlando Thompson. He leaves to cherish precious and fond memories, his loving wife; Sharon Nicole Gardner, daughters; Serivia “Nook” Gardner, Deandre “Dee”Gardner, sons; Darrell “DJ” Wendell Williams, Jr., Darren Christopher Williams, grandson; Apollo Williams, his mother; Annie Dell Gardner, his father; Charles Spurgeon Thompson, brother; Keith Dewayne Thompson (Donna), five nieces and a plethora of other relatives, friends, Army buddies and current co-workers. Charles will truly be missed by all who knew him.
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Interment of Ashes and Military Honors
at DFW National Cemetery - Dallas, Texas, will be Announced at a Later Date.
Pastor Dewayne Williams, Officiant
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