Deacon Raleigh B. Gardner, II

Raleigh Burce Gardner, II, son to the late Raleigh Bruce Gardner, Sr., and Charlene Moore-Gardner began his earthly journey on Friday, August 4, 1950, in Brooklyn, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Allen-Gardner; father, Raleigh Gardner Sr., mother, Charlene Moore-Gardner; sisters: Wanda Washington and Traci Gardner, and brother, Anthony Gardner.

 He accepted Christ at an early age at First Corinthians Missionary Baptist Church in Brooklyn, IL. His family soon moved to East St. Louis, IL and united with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. 

 He was educated in the East St. Louis public school system and was a 1968 graduate East St. Louis High School. Shortly after graduation, Raleigh, II, enlisted in the United States Army. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam while on active duty. After returning stateside he was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Allen. They united in holy matrimony on Tuesday, January 1, 1974, in Clarksville, TN. This union was blessed with three sons: Raleigh Bruce Gardner III, Waymond Isaiah Gardner, and Michael Vincent Gardner. They were married for 44 blessed years until she transitioned on January 24, 2018. 

 Raleigh Gardner joined Concord Missionary Baptist Church, ordained a deacon and served faithfully until his health declined. He served on the Deacon Board, Male Chorus, Mass Choir, Choir Director, Sunday School Superintendent and Youth Advisor. He looked forward to attending the National Baptist Conventions every year, serving as a youth chaperone. He loved singing, teaching Sunday School, bowling, cooking, playing softball, and playing cards. In 2021, he relocated to Huntsville AL and united with Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. Progressive Union embraced Deacon Gardner as their own and affectionately called him “Pops”. At Progressive Union, he served on the Deacon Board and choir ministry. 

 On the morning of February 20, 2025, he told the Lord “I’ve done all I know how to do and I’m waiting on you”. Our merciful Master came and relieved him of all his earthly problems. 

 He leaves to continue his legacy, three sons: Raleigh (LaTasha) Gardner, Madison, AL, Waymond (SaraVon) Gardner, Inman, South Carolina, and Michael (Ashley) Gardner, Southaven, MS. Six grandchildren: Lina Gardner, Niyah Gardner, Olivia Gardner, Miles Gardner, Sydney Gardner, and Major Gardner, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus children, bonus grandchildren, uncles, an aunt, in-laws and friends.