William Darriel Gardner

William Darriel Gardner, age 72 of Tellico Plains, passed peacefully to his Heavenly home on Saturday, March 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Throughout his life, Darriel dedicated himself to helping others. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Mount Vernon Fire Department and faithfully pastored several churches in Tellico Plains, where he led many to the Lord. He found God not only in church but also in life’s simple pleasures. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing with his wife, family members, and close friends, and found peace hunting in the woods. Above all, Darriel cherished his wife Karen and his daughter Missy.

He was preceded in death by his father, William “Herbie” Gardner, Sr., his mother, Juanita Phillips Frye, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Henry and Lena Harrison, his sister Aneita Gardner, his brother “Little Herbie” Gardner Jr., his nephews Travis Bryson and Calab Gardner, his special aunt Joyce Phillips Allman, and his brothers-in-law Charlie Bryson and Billy Martin.

Darriel is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Karen Gardner, his daughter Melissa Carol “Missy” Gardner, his sisters and brothers-in-law Penny and Clifford Holder, Patty and Phillip Taylor, Susie Martin, and Sonya and David Harris, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia and Mike Ables, his special uncle Ed Phillips, several nieces and nephews who were dear to him, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and a host of cousins. His love will always be remembered by each of them.