Deacon Morris Eugene Gardner, age 88, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 22, 2024. The youngest child of Rosie Gardner and Oliver Gardner, Sr., Morris was born in Nashville, TN on October 27, 1935.

Morris’ childhood nickname was “Sap”. His eldest brother called him “Sap” after a character in the “Popeye the Sailor” comic strip. Only those closest to Deacon Gardner referred to him as Sap or Uncle Sap. He was a member of the Boy Scouts and played woodwind instruments in youth symphony. Deacon Gardner loved music, gospel music of course, and he had an affinity to classical music. Morris was even selected to be among the first Black children to attempt to integrate the Nashville Youth Symphony. He graduated high school in 1954 and under a music scholarship, a young Deacon Gardner studied for two years at Michigan State University. Soon after that, he met and married Mamie Gardner, nee Langley, and had two daughters, Marcy and Monica.

Morris worked at Massey-Ferguson Agricultural Machinery Company, for many years between the 1960’s and early 1970’s; working his way up from laborer to Control Specifications Coordinator. Soon after that, he left factory work behind and embarked on a journey of community service via Kandy Kane Christian Daycare. In 1974, Deacon Gardner partnered with his wife, Mamie, who had a vision to open up a child care and early childhood education center in the heart of West Akron, OH. Kandy Kane was a special and impactful place for so many Akron families for over four decades. Morris served as a co-creator, co-owner, surrogate father-uncle-brother, and a trusted member of our community.

Morris Gardner, and family, were among some of the first members of The House of The Lord Church. Deacon Gardner loved his church family dearly and devoted much of his time and leadership skills to the building of community and faith. He also devoted much of his time to the sport of golf! Deacon Gardner was quite a gifted golfer, and golf was yet another way he connected with others and built lifelong friendships.

Deacon Morris Gardner was preceded in death by his brother, Oliver Gardner; sister, Clarice Cain; daughter, Monica; wife, Mamie; and daughter, Marcy.

He is survived by his grandson, Mark; brothers, Robert and Clarence Gardner; and family in Canada, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, and Kansas.

Deacon Morris Gardner was a force for good in this world. His unwavering trust in God served as a beacon to so many. To put it plainly, Deacon Gardner loved the Lord and he literally sang of the goodness of God until his last day.