In the early evening of June 5, 2021, William Gardiner Pickens, 80, of Huntsville was welcomed into Heaven by our Lord, Jesus Christ. He was comforted and surrounded by his family expressing great love and admiration of his blessed life.
Born on March 24, 1941, in Sheffield, Alabama, Gardiner grew up in the Tri-Cities and graduated from Sheffield High School in 1959. He attended Auburn University graduating in 1964 with a degree in electrical engineering. While at Auburn, he married Phyllis Matthews, the love of his life.
He was preceded in death by his father, Merwyn Clay Pickens, mother, Helen Gardiner Pickens, sister, Lisa Pickens Howell, and his dear wife, Phyllis Matthews Pickens.
He is survived by his two daughters, Lisa Pickens Thorington (Johnny) and Laura Pickens; his two adored grandchildren, Taylor and Jake Thorington; sister, Pennie Kirsch (Sonnie); and brother, David Pickens (Wanda).
Gardiner was a highly respected electrical engineer. His career started at Teledyne Brown Engineering, Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant, and various projects with the United States Army Missile Defense. These projects included H.O.E., AOA, and THADD. His work ethic and dedication led to his appointment as Project Manager for THADD, the project he worked on until his retirement. He enjoyed work, earning great respect from colleagues both in government contract work and his time after retirement with BAE Systems.
His pride and joy were his family – the girls, and especially his grandchildren who affectionally called him “MyMy”. He loved being in Auburn with them during football season or anytime. Besides home, “The Plains” were Gardiner’s and Phyllis’s “happy place.”
His gentle spirit was one of a kind. Gardiner was a selfless man, and his countless acts of kindness can be attributed to his faith and upbringing. He will always be remembered for his quiet presence and attentiveness, his early morning routines, love of reading, and being a genuine peacemaker. He often said, “accept people as they are” and “be particular.” He loved Phyllis with all his heart, recently stating he had been married his entire life. His devotion was seen in his protective care of her in recent years.
We would like to thank all the doctors for their care through the years – Dr. Brown, Dr. Kinzel, Dr. Cohen, the UAB Internal Medicine team, and the STICU nurses at Huntsville Hospital, as well as Dr. McGee, Dr, Randall, Dr. Karne, & Dr. Fanning – their determination, wisdom, and hope guided us in a very challenging time. For this we are most grateful.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 12th from 1:00-2:30, with the funeral following at Trinity United Methodist Church, Huntsville, Alabama. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clearview Cancer Institute or Auburn University.
