Funeral services for Michael “Andy” Gardner, age 68, will be held December 7, 2025, at 2 pm in the chapel of Shelton Funeral Home. Burial to follow at White Rose Cemetery in Gibson, TN. Visitation with the family will be December 6, 2025, from 4pm until 8pm.
Andy Gardner, born on November 22, 1957, in Humboldt, Tennessee, passed away on November 29, 2025, at his daughter’s home in Trenton. He was 68 years old. Andy was a retired registered nurse. He lived a meaningful life defined by hard work, deep loyalty to his friends and patients, and an unmistakable gift for providing end of life care and comfort to others as a hospice nurse. He touched many families by his compassionate, easy going, and calm presence. He definitely left a lasting impression on the families he cared for.
He graduated from Union University with a nursing degree later in life. After working his way up, his favorite and final job was working as a hospice nurse and the director of Hospice of West Tn. He had a gift for caring for those that were terminally ill until their final resting place was reached. He served on the board and was a very active member of the TN Nurses Association and the TN Hospital Association. He was instrumental and proud that his work helped pass several hospice rules and regulations regarding hospice nurses being able to pronounce their own patients without the assistance of a doctor or coroner. This enabled families a quicker and smoother transition when their loved one passed away. He found his work to be very rewarding. There is no doubt that he made a difference in many lives during his career.
Andy was honored to be a member and a past exalted ruler of the Trenton Elks Lodge. He loved the Annual Crappie Tournament and the Wild Game Supper. He was a longtime supporter of St Jude. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, both of which he could no longer physically do. Thankfully, Andy and Linda retired early and were able to spend several years together enjoying their days at the lake.
He was a proud veteran of the US Air force where he met the love of his life. After dating for only six weeks, Andy married Linda Gardner, and they were happily married for over 45 years. They had two children, Michael and Dawn. Andy was forever changed after the death of his son in 1998. After the passing of his beloved wife, his health deteriorated. We are thankful for the Lord’s promise and know that on November 29, 2025, Andy was reunited with his loving wife and son. He is no longer in pain, and his body has been healed. We will not mourn his passing, yet celebrate the life he lived and the people that he touched.
He is survived by his daughter: Dawn (Jay) Jewell; his only grandchild: Jayda Jewell; a brother: Terry (Vickie) Gardner; an uncle: Guy Nethery; his cousins: Stacie Nethery and Vicky Mayo; a niece: Jennifer (Eddie) Byrd; a great nephew: Avery; a great niece: Maci, two sister-in-laws: Debbie (Chris) Yogus-Janak and Mariann Reusch, as well as many loving friends.
Andy now joins his beloved wife: Linda Gardner; his son: Michael Gardner; parents: Carl and Rena Gardner; and a brother: Dennis Gardner in eternal rest. Michael “Andy” Gardner leaves behind not only a family who loved him dearly but also a community of people that witnessed his kindness, wisdom, compassion, and his unforgettable presence. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
