Waco - Ralph Beam Gardner, 77, passed away Monday January 4, 2016 at Hospice at Wendover.

Born March 9, 1938 in Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Bryan S. and Pauline Beam Gardner. He was a retired guard with 30 years of service with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, a life long farmer, and a member of New Prospect Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by five brothers, Dwan, Torrence, Bevan, Norris and Reid Gardner.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Louise Grigg Gardner; two sons, Gil Gardner and wife, Kelly of Shelby and Larry Gardner and wife, Lori of Cherryville; five grandchildren, Craig Gardner and wife, Yui, Tiffany Gardner, Morgan, Lillian and Madison Gardner; and a brother, Hazel A. Gardner of Shelby.

Visitation will be 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Wednesday at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday at New Prospect Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Brackett, Rev. Tim Tapp and Rev. Neal Efird officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Stamey Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the Gardner family.