Dorsey Gardner, also known as W.D., 82, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, died peacefully on Saturday, January 12, 2013.
Dorsey was married to his high school sweetheart. They were married for 63 years when he died. He took great pride and pleasure in his marriage and in the many trips and visits with his three children and two grandchildren.
He graduated from Central High School in 1949, achieving all- state football honors as well as being named to coach Red Etter's all-time Central High school team. He also excelled in baseball and was an officer of his senior class. Dorsey graduated from the University of Chattanooga, and was a charter member of St. Jude Church. He volunteered with many volunteer organizations including the Room In The Inn, Chattanooga Food Bank, Contact Crisis Center, Chambliss Home for Children Project Sunshine, and Catholic Charities.
A longtime DuPont employee, Dorsey won the respect, trust and love of his fellow workers. He cared deeply about his family and friends. He was a kind, giving man who will be missed by many and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Dorsey was preceded in his death by his parents, Frank Leslie Gardner and Virginia Ophelia Gardner, sister, Imogene Virginia Gardner (Bob) Jones and brothers, Leslie Oren (Thelma) Gardner and Frank Julian (Ginny) Gardner and nephew, James Michel Gardner.
Dorsey is survived by his wife, Margaret Pryor Gardner, his sister, Carolyn Gardner Wilson Martin; his daughter, Angline-Angie- Virginia Gardner (John) Payne, and sons, Steven Dorsey (Colleen) Gardner and Alan Gregory (Tay) Gardner; his grandson, Zachary Steven Gardner; and his granddaughter, Hannah Colleen Gardner; sister-in- law, Clara Ethel Pryor Howland, and brothers-in-law, John McClellan Pryor, Dr. Joseph Albert (Carol Ann) Pryor and Fred Herron (Marilyn) Pryor; his bonus grandson, Gregory Jonathan (Tiaa) Payne, his bonus great–grandson, Jonathan Tyler Payne and his bonus great-granddaughter, Lyndsay Erin Payne. He has a niece and nephews, great and great- great nieces and nephews who brought him much joy.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at St. Jude Catholic Church with Father Charlie Burton officiating.
The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel. There will also be visitation at St. Jude at 10 a.m. before the mass on Wednesday.
The interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Catholic Church, 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga TN 37415 or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.