Donald Turner Gardner, 91, of Franklin, NC, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

He was the son of the late Cecil Lamar and Mary Horton Gardner. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Annette Price Gardner; and sister, Shirley Gardner McFarland. He has lived Franklin for over 25 years and is a member of Windy Gap Baptist Church. He loved the mountains, waterfalls, walking on trails, camping, and was an amazing cook. He was fun to be around and sometimes acted silly. He loved to take his family to Disney, Dollywood, and Myrtle Beach. He loved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren more than life itself.

He is survived by his two children, Terri Ann Gardner Drbul (Paul), Donnie Lamar Gardner (Dee); sixteen, grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; two nephews, and one niece.

A funeral service will be held Friday, September 8th at 2pm at Windy Gap Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm, one hour prior to the service. Rev. Mark Bishop and Rev. Darian Cochran will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Daniel Mackey, Bryce Gardner, Drake Bell, Drew Bell, Colton Cochran, Camden Cochran, and Kyler Cochran will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.