John Otis Gardner

John Otis Gardner, 75, of Madison, died Friday, June 24, 2011, at his residence.

Mr. Gardner was born in Monticello. His parents were the late John Berry Gardner and Kathryn Jones Gardner. He retired from the U.S. Air Force and was a retired Volusia County, Fla., Deputy Sheriff after 14 years of service. Mr. Gardner’s passion was gardening and farming and operated God’s Garden Farm in Madison for the past 10 years. He was a member of Sugar Creek Baptist Church of Madison, and attended New Hope Baptist Church in Greshamville.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Goddard Gardner of Madison; children, Bradford Berry Gardner of Delaware, Jovette Gardner and Cheryl Stephens, both of Loganville, Nylynn Gardner Siczak of Riverview, Fla., and Michael John Gardner of Bluffton, S.C.; mother of his children, Yvette; grandchildren, Brandon Ryan, M’Chelle Ryan, Kyle Gardner, Allison Gardner, Travis Joseph Siczak, and Kaitlyn Siczak; step-children, Valerie Clark and Tina Stone, both of Woodstock, and Robert Bryan Hicks of Shenandoah, Va.; seven step-grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; and sister, Lynn Collins of Bowling Green, Fla.

A graveside service was held Sunday, June 26, 2011, at West View Cemetery in Monticello. Rev. Gene McCullough officiated.

The family suggests donations to the Compassionate Care Hospice, 2340 Prince Avenue, Suite B, Athens, Ga. 30606.

Jordan Funeral Home of Monticello was in charge of arrangements. For more information, visit its website at wwwjordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.