Birth Date:
Deceased Date: 09/16/2020
Avery Max Gardner, “Max” (59) passed away on Wednesday evening, 16th September, 2020 surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his Wife, Tami Gardner of Smithfield; mother, Betty McNeilly Ledford of Ennice; two daughters, Avery Gardner and Remy Gardner, both of Smithfield; one son, Madison Gardner and wife, Hannah, of Durham; and two sisters, Patricia Gardner and husband, Kevin Powell, of Ennice, and Ava Phillips and husband, Bill of Shelby.
Max graduated from McDowell High School in Marion NC and from NCSU in Raleigh and was a lifelong resident of Smithfield, NC where he raised his family and made his career in the forest products industry.
Max was a ‘character’, never met a stranger, and succeeded in making everyone feel special. He was a much-loved soccer coach, avid sportsman, woodworker, Smithfield Town Planning Board member and chair, he served and supported many wildlife conservation organizations. Max was never happier than when he could be outdoors, hunting, or just soaking in the beauty of a day in nature.
Max was a wonderful father and raised three amazing children, he was a devoted husband, son, brother, and friend. He was an asset to every company he ever worked for and could accomplish anything he set his hand to. He is unforgettable and will be forever. H0is memory will live on, always in our hearts.
A service of remembrance will be held Saturday September 26, with visitation from 1-2 pm and memorial service from 2-3pm at Parrish Funeral Home, 1351 S Pollock Street in Selma, NC. Donations may be made to the Bernie Mac Foundation in support of Sarcoidosis research at berniemacfoundation.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at Parrishfh.com
