Gregory Charles Gardner, 67, of Bosqueville, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Medical Center.
A Celebration of Life: 1p.m. Saturday, January 22 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. Click here to View the Live Stream of the Service.
Gregory Charles Gardner, 67, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness with family by his side on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center – Hillcrest. Greg was born in Dallas, Texas on August 1, 1954 to Marvin Kenneth and Margaret Ann (Fisher) Gardner. He was married to his college sweetheart, Paula Jameson Gardner for 44 years.
Greg graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Education. Greg and Paula were married on May 13, 1977 in Lubbock, Texas. They started their family while living in the dorms where Greg was working for the Housing Department as a Head Resident. The children had 300 dorm residents who treated them as a little sister and brother. As a Head Resident, Greg created and instituted a peer tutoring program that paired students in the dorm who needed tutoring with other students who wished to serve as a tutor. In 1981, Greg was presented with the Award for Excellence for outstanding service to Texas Tech University. In 1984, Greg and the family moved to Edwardsville, Illinois where he served as the Director of University Housing at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Again, he was awarded the Student Affairs Award for significant contributions and dedicated service to the growth and development of students at SIUE. Their last move was to Waco, Texas in 1990. Greg served as the Director of Student Housing at TSTC. In 1992, Greg began his private and public teaching career. He taught at St. Mary’s Catholic School, St. Louis Catholic School, and Bosqueville Independent School District where he retired from teaching in 2009. He continued to teach part-time and tutor until November 2021. During his career at BISD he was a middle school and high school math teacher and assistant football and basketball coach. He also tutored students in math and provided college preparation to those students wishing to pursue a post-secondary education. He was named Teacher of the Year and received the Golden Apple Award. Teaching was his passion, and he loved growing an understanding and love of math in his students. Over his many years in education, Greg taught Kindergarten through college-aged students. He was one of the founding members of the Bosqueville Excellence in Education Foundation and served as president of the Foundation. He loved serving the students, faculty, and families of the Bosqueville community.=
Greg was an avid gardener, runner, and birder, and loved engaging in friendly political banter with others. He enjoyed going on cruises, living the laid-back life, and exploring new places.
Over the years, he owned his own landscaping and tutoring companies. He was constantly on the move and loved serving others.
Greg supported and encouraged his children to explore their passions in music, art, theater, athletics, and leadership. He loved his sweet granddaughters and looked forward to seeing them whenever he could. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by the love of his life, Paula;their daughter Makenzie Gardner Verbout and husband Joshua; granddaughters Liv Margaret and Hazel Josephine Verbout; son Nathaniel Jameson Gardner and wife Joni, his brothers Steve Gardner (Cathy), Kenneth Gardner (Kay), sisters Sally Conway, Joanie Overbeck, Leigh Gardner Kisner (Peter), numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, father-in-law G.W. Jameson, sisters-in-law Pamela Babb (David) and Susann Jameson. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Peggy Jameson, and brother-in-law, Larry Jameson.
The family requests memorials be made to the Bosqueville Excellence in Education Foundation at https://bosquevilleeducationfoundation.org.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
I taught with Greg at St. Louis some years ago. It was a great experience. He expected so much from his students. He constantly pushed, encouraged, and stretched them. I experienced Greg’s wit daily, and I so enjoyed working with him. He was truly one of a kind.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Greg was the epitome of an education professional. He didn’t just teach bell-to-bell. He used his creativity outside the classroom to plan strategies inside the classroom. In athletic terms, Greg was a franchise player for Bosqueville ISD. He was truly invested in the kids of Bosqueville, and was quite instrumental in designing ways to draw quality students from the greater Waco area. His influence as a teacher and a community member directly led to quality that Bosqueville ISD is today. Besides that, he had a great sense of humor! Greg Gardner will be sorely missed.
Mr. Gardner was a wonderful and very indigent man whom taught me many years ago and still stands out in my life to this day, you are a very special man and I appreciate everything you taught me and didn’t give up.
your family is in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
We love you Grandpi. Forever in our hearts and thoughts.
Jerry and I are so heartbroken to hear of Greg’s passing. We are thankful he had the last week or two at home with Paula. They truly loved each other and enjoyed every minute together. We have enjoyed getting to know Greg and Paula since Makenzie and Josh first dated while attending Baylor. Greg and Paula were always so kind to us as were the rest of their family. We became part of the family and love them all so much. We will miss Greg and will remember all of the times we have gotten together over the years. It was always a treat to watch him with his granddaughters. He loved them and always brought something new and educational for them to play with. He was always thinking of others. Prayers of comfort to you, Paula, all of his precious family. Hugs and love, Jerry and Cindy
Our condolences to Mrs. Gardner and the family. Mr. Gardner was a very kind person and dedicated to his profession. He always had a positive attitude and kind words for anyone and he will be missed.
Ronnie & Brenda Price
Paula, we watched the service on line and it was very nice, our love is with you and the family. Hugs to all.
Paul and family, it was an amazing service. Prayers for all, may peace and strength be with you. Loves and hugs.