Clifton Edward Gardner Jr.

Clifton Edward Gardner Jr. transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday, July 23, 2023, surrounded by his family.  He was born on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1932, the eldest child of the late Clifton E. Sr. and Lydia F. Gardner of Williamsburg. He is preceded in death by his sister, Audrey E. Gardner, brother, Charles G. Gardner, former wife, Juanita L. Gardner, and son, Edward K. Gardner.

Clifton aka “Junior” or “Cliff”, was a graduate of Bruton Heights High School, class of 1949. He was employed at the Naval Weapons Station for many years and worked part-time as a waiter for the Aberdeen Barn. In the early 70s, Cliff made a career change, working at Anheuser Busch, Inc. He enjoyed career success and progressed from an hourly employee to a foreman and eventually Superintendent of Brewing. After retiring with over twenty-three years of service from Anheuser Busch, Cliff enjoyed working part-time for special banquets at King’s Mill. 

Cliff was a descendant of First Baptist Church, Nassau Street, where he grew up and began his early religious training. He was baptized under the late Reverend Robert Lee in 1944. With the church's move to its present Scotland Street location, he continued to worship and served as past chair of the Trustee Ministry.

His various interests included working outdoors in the yard, grilling specialty meats (his renowned, marinated beef tenderloin), having holiday dinners with family, traveling, and boating. In the summertime, you might find Cliff at the beach, sitting on the porch, savoring a pipe, and enjoying the Outer Banks.

Cliff had a lifelong love of cars – a passion he shared and passed on to his son Rodney. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, and his house — as well as himself — was adorned with team paraphernalia. 

He was a former member of the Order of Elks, Old Capital Lodge #629 of Williamsburg. 

His memory will forever remain with his devoted daughter, Beverly A. Gardner; sons, Rodney V. Gardner (Valerie Brett) and Mark L. Gardner (Margit Detweiler); special friend, LaVerne Forrest; granddaughters, Maya L. Gardner and  Rachel V. Gardner; siblings, Dennis F. Gardner (Jacquelyn) and Christine G. Jordan (James); sister-in-law, Linda B. Gardner; nieces and nephews, Cherisse S. Gardner (Kathryn Davis), Andre P. Gardner (Lynelle), Kim D. Jordan, Ramon K. Jordan (Megumi), Christopher S. Gardner (Mary), Gwendolyn D. Lee, and Larry D. Lee (Patricia); great-nephews, Landis P. Gardner, Xavier K. Jordan, Austin P. Gardner, and Michael L. Jordan;  great-niece, Sasha L. Jordan; special adopted family, Vakara Forrest, Stefen Forrest, Jaidyn Forrest, Joelle Forrest, and Benjamin Forrest; and two faithful friends, Oscar Howard and Cordrey Morris.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, July 28, 2023, at the Historic First Baptist Church. Interment to follow in Cedar Grove cemetery. Mr. Gardner may be viewed on Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service.  In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be sent to The First Baptist Church History Ministry, 727 Scotland Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Clifton Edward Gardner Jr., please visit our Tree Store.