Melford “Mel” Spear Gardner

Melford “Mel” Spear Gardner, 84, of Smiths Station, AL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 15, 2026. A visitation will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 Hwy 431 N., Phenix City, AL 36867, on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:00 am EDT, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am EDT, officiated by Rev. Ricky Ward. A 1:00 pm EDT committal service will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Southeast Hospice.

Mel Gardner was born in Shelby County, Al, on March 4, 1942, to the late William Lee Gardner and Leland Crumpton Gardner. After high school, he served his country in the United States Navy. Mel was raised in a family of 18 and looked forward to a family of his own. He married the love of his life, Sherry Gardner, and remained her faithful and devoted husband for 61 years. Together, they raised a family with a strong foundation in faith. He enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher at multiple churches until finding his home within the walls of Beaver Creek Baptist Church. There, he was a deacon and loved his church family. Mel also was the Band President at Smiths Station High School. In his free time, he found a strong love for flying after getting his pilot’s license. Mel loved to travel, going on numerous trips to the west, Costa Rica, an Alaskan cruise, and other beautiful places with his family. He enjoyed numerous hobbies outdoors with his children such as hunting, shooting, and rock climbing. Most of all, Mel loved his family. He enjoyed telling jokes and enjoying each other’s company, making memories as often as they could. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Other than his parents, Mel Gardner is preceded in death by numerous brothers and sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry Dean Gardner; daughter, Jennifer Gardner; son, Paul Gardner and wife Jennifer Oliver; sister, Nell Burcham-Gable and husband Gary; grandsons, Caleb Gardner and wife Kaytea, Stephen Gardner, Luke Gardner, and Aidan Gardner; two great-grandsons, Asher Gardner, and Calvin Gardner; and numerous extended family and friends.