William Henry Gardner Iii

William Henry Gardner III of Sanford, passed away the morning of February 5, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center. He was 85 years old.

The son of the late William H. and Virginia L. (Bougurennec) Gardner was born March 8, 1937 in Detroit, where he was raised and educated. He had also lived in Imperial, California. Bill served in the US Air Force (Honorable Discharge). After moving back to Michigan, he eventually became a firefighter for the Birmingham, MI Fire Department, retiring as a Captain.

While working as a firefighter, Bill worked as a plumber, and also began working as a truck driver. He was a member of the Sanford Eagles and loved being a Little League baseball and football coach. Bill enjoyed playing hockey, was an avid pool player, and enjoyed traveling, especially on his Harley.

Bill is survived by his six children William H. Gardner IV (Diane), Jeri (Russell) Lile, Jeff (Therese) Gardner, Tammy (Scott) Harper, Kim (Johnny) Runyon, and Robert (Shawn) Gardner; stepchildren Joe (Beverly) Stanley, and Chris (Noreen) Stanley; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings John Gardner, Diane Hodge, Dan Wolfe, and his beloved dog, Sadie. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nancy, his stepson Billy, his brother Richard, and sister Shirley.

Per Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements are under the care of Wilson Miller Funeral Home.