Rev. James Orville Gardner, 87, of Columbus, MS passed away Tuesday, February 09, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-GT.

A visitation will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021, from 11:30-1:00 PM at Vibrant Church. A service will follow at 1:00 PM with Bro. Kenny Gardner officiating and Anthony Miller and Michael Miller assisting. Interment will be in Living Faith Tabernacle Cemetery with Rev. Rodney Hedrick officiating and with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

Rev. Gardner was born on June 8, 1933, in Carbon Hill, AL to the late Odessa Mae White and James William Gardner. He was a great man of God with a great influence and he was loved by everyone who knew him. He built a legacy, lived it, then left it for all of us to follow. He didn't realize the impact he made on the lives he touched. He loved reading God's word, he was in ministry for 72 years and he was the pastor for Living Faith Tabernacle for almost 57 years. Rev. Gardner was also a Tent Revival Preacher, Preaching in many cities in the U.S. and also preached in conventions and churches where many souls were saved. He was a District Bishop for many years in the Pentecostal Church of God. He was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Sandra for 41 years. He was truly a family man and never took for granted spending time with his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his heart. He had so much love to give, he enjoyed going fishing, hunting and he was a good cook. In addition to his parents, Rev. Gardner is preceded in death by his wife- Patricia Alma Gardner; sister- Virginia Deason; and two brothers- Robert Gardner and Charlie Gardner.

Rev. Gardner is survived by his wife of 41 years- Sandra Ownes Gardner of Columbus, MS; son- James "Kenny"(Deborah) Gardner; daughters-Merita (Anthony)  Miller of Columbus, MS and Phylicia (Spencer) House of Caledonia, MS; a host of nieces and nephews; sister- Martha Inez Clements of Valdosta, GA; 3 brothers- Johnny Gardner of Smyrna, TN, Derrell "Doug" (Judy) Gardner of Dardenne Praire, MO, and Dale (Fran) Gardner of Oakland, KY; 6 grandchildren- Ashlee Gardner Robbins (Robby), Michael Miller (Julianna), Deona Miller, Ayden House, Levi House, and Asher House; and 2 great-grandchildren- Landon Moore, and Jackson Moore.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Miller, Kenny Gardner, Michael Miller, Landon Moore, Jackson Moore, Spencer House, Steve Chitwood, and Robby Robbins. Honorary pallbearers will be Ministers of Pentecostal Church of God/Alabama district, Dr. Brett Brown, Men of Living Faith Tabernacle, and Herbart Caston and Gideon's.

Memorials may be made to Living Faith Tabernacle P.O. Box 374 Columbus, MS 39702.