J.B. Gardner

 J.B. Gardner, 91, peacefully passed away on July 28, 2026, in Weatherford, Texas, after a short illness.

 J.B. was born on December 3, 1934, in San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas, to Robert Ernest and Florence Arrilla Gardner, Sr. He was the youngest brother of 11 children (nine boys and two girls). He attended high school at Millsap High before moving to Weatherford High School, where he graduated in 1955. J.B. served in the National Guard from May 20, 1953, to May 19, 1956, when he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant and a sharpshooter.

 After graduating from high school, he went to work at General Dynamics as a Toolmaker, where he worked until December 1959. After being laid off, he worked at several labor-type jobs before going to work as a General Machinist. In 1964, he started a new career as a Tool Designer. From that point, he worked his way up to being a Manufacturing Engineering Specialist. He worked for all the major aircraft manufacturers, as well as some small companies, over the years and retired from Lockheed on March 31, 2000. During these times, he and the family lived in Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and California, always ending up back in Weatherford. They moved back to Weatherford, for the final time, in September 1977.

 He married Annie P. Williams on July 14, 1956. They have five daughters, 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

 They raised and adopted twin granddaughters, which kept them busy. They both played soccer, and he was their coach. He was on the Weatherford Soccer Association’s Board of Directors and served as their Treasurer until June of 2000. He also enjoyed going camping and fishing, especially setting out trot lines for catfish and usually always bringing in a big haul for a good fish fry.

 In his later years, J.B. enjoyed going twice a week to the Parker County Senior Center, where he enjoyed playing bingo, eating lunch, then playing a few rounds of 42 with some special friends he met there. He entered their domino tournaments and won first place on four different occasions, giving him four trophies to display at home.

 J.B. was preceded in death by his wife, Annie; his parents; his eight brothers: twins, Claude Gardner and William Clyde Gardner; Samuel Gardner; Robert E. Gardner Jr.; Girvous Odell Gardner; Archie Gardner; Arthur Gardner; and David Gardner; his two sisters, Tibithia Katherine Gardner O’Bannon and Effie Mae Gardner Netti (twin to David); and son-in-law, Jackie Moore (husband to Misty).

 He is survived by his daughters, Karen Kuykendall (Roy); Lisa Gardner; Misty Moore; Peggy Watson (Lonnie); Kelly Lankford (Mark); adopted twin granddaughters, Audrey Price and Emily Pantoja (Juan); 15 grandchildren (12 girls, three boys); 25 great-grandchildren (12 girls, 13 boys); two great-great-granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 The family extends a special thank you to the ICU and PCU units at Medical City Weatherford, College Park Rehabilitation and Care Center, and Beyond Faith Hospice in Weatherford for the exceptional love and care they provided.

 Closed-casket services will be held at graveside on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Newberry Cemetery at the Newberry Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1301 Newberry Road, Millsap, Texas 76066, where he will be laid to rest with other family members.

  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parker County Committee on Aging Meals on Wheels & Senior Center.

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We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time.

The Staff of Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services

https://www.galbreaithpickard.com/