Billie Oscar Gardner Billie Oscar Gardner, 83 of Steens, MS passed away Friday, January 21, 2011 at Aurora Australis Lodge, Columbus, MS. Visitation was held Sunday, January 23, 2011 from 1:30 – 3:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral services were held Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 3:00 PM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel, Columbus, MS with Bro. Ron Thomas officiating. Interment was in Egger Cemetery, Caledonia, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing. Mr. Gardner was born September 13, 1927 in Neshoba County, MS to the late James Allen and Elvie Brown Gardner. He had been a resident of Lowndes County, MS since 1949 having moved from Neshoba County, MS. Mr. Gardner was a master craftsman wood finisher. He worked for 25 years in Starkville, MS with world-renowned Herschede Hall Clock Co., the producer of the finest and most expensive floor clocks in the world. A Herschede clock stands in the White House, and "The Clock" #250 which was introduced in New York at a champagne breakfast was the last clock shipped from the Starkville location and was valued at $100,000. Mr. Gardner later retired from Johnston Tombigbee Manufacturing after seven years of service. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served in Korea and Japan. Mr. Gardner loved music, especially playing the mandolin and was a member of the Country Friends Band. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was an amateur boxer in the military and an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He was a member of Broadacres United Methodist Church and the Men's Sunday School Class. Mr. Gardner is survived by his wife – Agnes Coleman Gardner, Steens, MS; daughters – Diane Gardner (Buddy) Baker, Columbus, MS; Vanita Gardner (Bill) McMullin, Madison, MS; sister – Earle (Ersie) Smith, Hattiesburg, MS; sister – Jean (Wilburn) Logan, Steens, MS; grandchildren – John A. (Michelle) Baker, Columbus, MS; David C. (Tiffany) McMullin, Shakopee, MN; and two great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Buddy Baker, John Baker, Bill McMullin, Ricky Gardner, Anthony Gardner, and James Gardner. Honorary pallbearers were staff of Aurora Australis Lodge, Men's Sunday School Class of Broadacres United Methodist Church, Ivy Coleman, Roy Shepard, Harold Mason, Gary McMinn, Guy Batchelder, Scott Berry, neighbors, friends, and family. Memorials may be sent to Broadacres United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 9552, Columbus, MS 39705.