Larry Gardner

Larry Joe Gardner, 74, of Waxahachie, Texas passed away at Red Oak Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, June 11, 2015. He lost his battle to illnesses that have plagued him for the past few years, and is now singing with Our Lord with a new set of lungs. Larry was born to Nolie and Nora Gardner in Italy, Texas on October 24, 1940. He graduated from Italy High School in 1959 and then attended Navarro Junior College in Corsicana for 2 years. Following college, he joined the Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1969, after serving his country for 6 years. Larry took a spin at the music business, with a band and doing some recordings as a young adult. He loved to sing to his mother, his children, grandchildren and anyone who would listen. His nurses loved to hear him sing when he could over the past few months. Larry was married to Elaine Gardner (Williams) on June 25, 1966 and they were married for 40 years. They had 2 children together Heath and Misty. During that time they were members of Ferris Avenue Baptist Church in Waxahachie, where he taught Sunday School and served in many other capacities. Larry also loved his 7 grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. Larry worked for Owen Corning and Kerr Glass for many years before opening L & M Muffler Shop on May 19, 1975. Soon after, he became known as "The Muffler Man." Over the years he expanded his business to surrounding communities. His son was by his side working with him at various locations for many years. Larry also had other business ventures in Waxahachie. He was a firm believer in "keeping it local" and supporting other small businesses in Waxahachie. He was a huge supporter of Waxahachie athletics. You could find Larry and Elaine at every basketball, football, and baseball game. Larry followed them through the seasons, playoffs and state championships until his health prevented him from going. At that point, he followed them through KBEC radio. When his daughter's husband coached in Waxahachie Larry was quick to tell him how it should be done! Larry was known and loved by his community as a very kind and generous man. He never lived an extravagant life and always helped people when he was able. He will be missed by his family, friends, and many lives that he has touched over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nolie Gardner and Nora (Holley) Gardner, his sisters Bonnie Compton, Edna Yarbrough, Ethel Sheppard and his brother, Kenneth Gardner. He is survived by his son, Heath Gardner, his daughter, Misty Cox and husband David, his grandchildren, Lindsey Gardner, Kealey Gardner, PFC Cameron Gardner, Zackery Gardner, Levi Gardner, Kelsie Cox and Lauren Cox. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews, and great and great-great nieces and nephews and cousins. Visitation with the family is scheduled from 6:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie. Arrangements are under the direction of Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie. www.waynebozefuneralhome.com

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