SEARCY – Jack Reed Gardner, M.D., died Friday, April 24, 2009, at his home. Dr. Gardner was born Oct. 5, 1932, in Memphis, Tenn., to Ruby Reed and James L. Gardner, who preceded him in death. He was raised in Wynne, where he graduated from Wynne High School. Dr. Gardner went on the University of Arkansas and received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in 1961. He interned at St. Vincent Infirmary, did a fellowship in surgery with Dr. Henry Hollenberg, and an OB/GYN residency at UAMS.
In 1964, Dr. Gardner and his family moved to Searcy where he practiced medicine for 42 years. Dr. Gardner was instrumental in the building of White County Hospital where he served as 4th Chief of Staff. Dr. Gardner was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He served in the United States Air Force and was a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Searcy, where he served on the vestry for many years. In his retirement, Dr. Gardner ran a gynecology clinic for St. Vincent Infirmary at St. Francis House in Little Rock.
He is survived by his wife Anne; daughter, Libby; son, Reed and his wife, Joy; granddaughters, Meg and Kate. He is also survived by a brother Gen. James L Gardner of Charleston, South Carolina; a sister, Jan Gattis of Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to the Trinity Episcopal Church Building Fund, The Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Research Center; or the charity of your choice.
Visitation will be at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services for family and close friends will be Monday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Searcy. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Homes. www.powellfuneralhome.net.