Carlin Mitchell Gardner

After almost 50 years my parents are together again. Our dad, Carlin M. Gardner, 96 of Statesville entered his heavenly home on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Our dad was born into a Christian home on April 4, 1927, to Primitive Baptist Pastor Elder William L Garnder and Flora M Garnder in Hillsville, Virginia. He and our mom, Betty, were married in 1947. Mom passed in 1974.

After high school Carlin joined the Merchant Marines, a division of the US Coast Guard on the advice of his brother John who was in the Battle at Normandy. After completing his military obligation our dad came to Mooresville to join John in the drugstore business as owner of Goodman Drug. They formed a business operating six drugstores in several surrounding counties. Goodman Drug joined to become Revco in 1968 and Carlin traveled the southeast as Merchandiser opening new stores and continued in management as they transitioned to CVS until his retirement.

Along with his parents, his older brother and business partner John T Gardner and sister Opal G Mitchell preceded him in death.

Mr. Gardner is survived by his two daughters Linda Walker (Bob) of Troutman and Sandy Harbinson (Bill) of Sunset Beach, NC. Four grandchildren Bobby Walker (Toni) and Jon Walker (Angie) both of Statesville and Amanda Matheson (Chad) of Boone, NC, and Ashley Ensley (Kevin) of Keller, TX. Nine great grands whom he loved watching grow – Brooke and Braden Walker, Madison Hollenbach, Easton and Janey Walker, Katie and Julie Matheson, Mason and Caleb Ensley. There is one great-great grand, Halston. Also surviving are two nieces, Becky and Michelle.

A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00pm, Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Glenwood Cemetery in Mooresville. The Reverend Jamie Hamrick of Rocky Mount Methodist Church presiding.

In lieu of flowers the family asks memorial contributions be given to the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville.

Troutman Funeral home is serving the Gardner family.

Gordon Hospice House
2341 Simonton Rd., Statesville NC 28625