THEODORE BONHAM GARDNER

MANNING - Theodore Bonham "Ted" Gardner, 92, husband of 64 years to Peggy Lynette Cantey Gardner, died on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, at his home.

Born on April 29, 1928, in Mullins, he was a son of the late Charles Arthur Biddle Gardner and Lutie Dora Smith Gardner. He joined historic Miller's United Methodist Church as a young man. When he first moved to Manning in 1955, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Manning, where he served as youth leader, past president of the men of the church, deacon and treasurer. He was also involved in Men of Harmony Presbytery, where he served as president. He was an organizing member and elder emeritus of New Covenant Presbyterian Church. He was a 1951 graduate of Clemson University, where he was a member of Tiger Brotherhood, Central Dance Committee and features editor of the TAPS yearbook. After graduation, he joined IPTAY and served many years as the Clarendon County IPTAY chairman. He attended 72 consecutive Clemson vs. South Carolina football games. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of Williams-Burgess American-Legion Post 68, where he served as chaplain for many years. He was an organizing member of the Manning Jaycees and served as president. He was also involved in the South Carolina Jaycees and was elected vice president, serving with Nick Theodore. He was a Manning High School Booster Club member and past president. He coached Dixie Youth baseball for five years and was past president of the Manning Dixie Youth baseball league. He was a member of the Rotary Club for more than 50 years and a Paul Harris Fellow.

He is survived by his wife of Manning; four children, Mitch Gardner (Cathy) of Manning, Meri Lyn Rogers (the Rev. Tim) of Marion, Michele Williamson (Dickey) and Bon Gardner (Vanessa), both of Manning; seven grandchildren, Smith Gardner, Rebecca Gardner, Emily Rogers Evans (John), Will Williamson, Anne Williamson, Van Gardner and Cantey Gardner; two great-grandchildren, Rachel and Matthew Evans; a sister, Sarah Shaw of Andrews; and a chosen son, Archie Green (Cecelia) of Manning.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. today at New Covenant Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jon Beane and the Rev. Marty Hodge officiating. Burial will follow at Manning Cemetery.

Buck Sprott, David Spigner and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers will be elders and deacons of New Covenant Presbyterian Church and members of Williams-Burgess American-Legion Post 68.

The family will receive friends at the residence, 344 Briarcliff St., Manning.

The family would like to thank his caregivers, Daisy Graham, Diane York, Ameisha Twine, Georgianna McKnight and Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memorials may be made to New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2833 Alex Harvin Highway, Manning, SC 29102.

Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org