Lennie Thomas Gardner, Sr.

GARNER, NC - Lennie Thomas Gardner Sr., affectionately known as “Poppa,” died peacefully at his home on Monday, November 4th, surrounded by his loving family, his wife Jessie and his four children. He finished the race God laid out for him, and he finished well.

Lennie leaves behind a great legacy of love to his family, reverence toward God, and a humble kindness to all who knew him.

He was born at the family home in Bonsal, NC, to Louise Snead, a single mother. She married Leonard Gardner, who became Lennie’s step-father when he was a boy.

Lennie later met the young woman who would become his wife, Jessie Yount, when they both attended Garner High School. Lennie and Jessie were married in December of 1960, and have celebrated over 63 years together as husband and wife.

They made their home in Garner, NC, and God blessed them with four children. In the early 1970s Lennie made two decisions that would impact the rest of his life. He came to understand the great love God had for him and he put his faith and trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ. Then, during the Recession of 1973 he took a risk and started his own business, Auto Interiors and Tops, Inc.

With true grit, an incredible work ethic, a desire to provide for his family, and a commitment to excellent workmanship, his business prospered. He never forgot the people who believed in him, advised him, and assisted him along the way. Lennie treated his employees, vendors and customers with great respect, earning their trust.

He wore many hats (literally and figuratively) and he loved them all: Husband, Daddy, Poppa, Great Poppa, Son-In-Law (he loved and cared for Mattie), Father-In-Law, Uncle, Friend, Employer, Mentor, Mustang Restorer, and Superb Craftsman, to name a few. He could often be found in the bleachers at his children's and grandchildren’s games, under the hood of a car with his sons and grandsons or rebuilding classic cars in his shop at home. He also provided genuine care and concern as a mentor for young men in difficult circumstances.

God gave Lennie a huge heart and great wit. He was funny, kind, faithful and diligent in all that he did, and his love will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. There was always room in his and Jessie’s home for more.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jessie Yount Gardner, daughter, Suzan Gardner Tripp (Roy), sons, Lennie Thomas “Tommy” Gardner Jr. (Christy), James Michael “Jamie” Gardner (Karen), and Daniel Bryant Gardner (Pam); twelve grandchildren: Benjamin Tripp (Hannah), Sydney Beach (Adam), Nicholas Gardner, Christian Gardner, Len Gardner (Delaney), Aaron Gardner (Alexis), Jonathan Gardner, Jackson Gardner (Lauryn), Joseph Gardner, Kharis Gardner, Bailey Gardner, and Luke Gardner; seven great-grandchildren: Graylan, Sadie, Briggs, Laney, Crew, Walker, and Maebrie; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, keeping our hurting neighbors in Western NC in mind.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at Mid-Way Baptist Church, 6910 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. followed by the funeral at 1 p.m.

Graveside services will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh NC 27603.

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner, NC.