Freddie Gardner

On the morning of August 12, 2018 Freddie  (Dater) Gardner Jr . passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was 81 years of age and so young at heart.


Freddie was born on May 15th 1937 to the proud parents Eunice and Freddie Gardner Sr. He was the eldest of three children, his only brother  Eugene and only sister Ruth Ann. Freddie attended Cuyler Street School in Savannah Georgia.  From a teenager he worked his way tirelessly and earnestly, eventually becoming an Entrepreneur and an International Longshoremen (ILA) from 1968 until his retirement June 1st 1990.. Freddie's mentor and long time friend that encourage him greatly through the years was the late Mr. Timothy Mackey Sr. former President of International Longshoremen Association.

As a young man at 18 he married his first Love Adel "Annette" Polite, daughter of the late Robert and Beulah Polite whom Freddie always gave some credit for his industrious work ethics. He imitated his father in law as a great provider and protector never allowing his wife to work secularly. Adel was able to stay at home to nourish their 10 beautiful children both physically and spiritually.

Through the years Freddie had several successful businesses; He was a member of the quarterback club as well as a member of the Thursday morning Breakfast club. the Tue Council Bar and Grill, B&D Barbecue, Alley Cat Lounge, and Sportsman Park. Freddie was a very positive force within the community of Savannah Ga. He was also a very active member of "The Members Only Club". The club members were all very close, and Dater loved taking trips and planning different social party events with each club members for more than 20 years. He also LOVED baseball so much  that in 1961 he founded The Independent Baseball league which led to Sportsman Park.

Freddie although stern, was a very generous, kind person, giving anyone the shirt off his back.  Many have appreciatively said how much he helped them materially and emotionally with words of wisdom. He will be greatly and dearly missed.

Freddie Gardner leaves to cherish his precious memory, His beautiful wife Adel Gardner. His loving children Deborah Trammell, Fredrick Gardner, Sandy Gardner, Patricia "Peaches" (Anthony) Jackson, Janice Cornelious, Beulah Gardner, Terri & Luke Hall, Lenny & Merelyn Gardner, Roddrick Gardner, Chad Gardner, Jackie & Elmore Malloy, Vincent & Annette Gardner, Timothy & Kelly Gardner and his precious devoted sister Ruth A. Middleton wife of the late Marion Middleton. His memory will be forever treasured by numerous nieces and nephews and cousins and precious friends. He will also be missed by his 57 grandchildren and 43 Great-Grandchildren, and 10 Great Great Grandchildren.

The Visitation will be held at Baker McCullough Funeral Home (Hubert C. Baker Chapel) on August 18, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Service is set for 1:30 pm on August 19, 2018 at Baker McCullough Funeral Home (Hubert C Baker Chapel). The interment will be held at Hillcrest Abbey West..








I'm my Dad's firstborn child, and  sometimes that's how he affectionately referred to me " My Firstborn". So many fond memories, but I'll just relate a few. Before i started school at age 4 my father made sure i knew my telephone number, home address and how to tell time. I still remember our first telephone number til this day.

One day during my father's illness we reflected on one special day back in time together in the mid 1960's. We lived in Frances Bartow projects. I remember lots of children playing and me skating with my union # 5 skates and my skate key around my neck. My father and his friends were playing half rubber ball. Simple times.... all that was needed was a half cut rubber ball and a broom stick to have fun. I watched him proudly when it was his turn at bat. I thought he was the strongest handsomest father in the world. That memory was the best medicine for both of us.

Our father worked very hard, sometimes two and three jobs so that our mother could be at home with us, it allowed our mother to give us the spiritual food needed to learn, to know and come to love and serve our great God Jehovah. ( Psalms 83 :18)

During  our Dad's younger years he studied the bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, but eventually came to a decision that he was not going to commit to something  he could not finish. I remember the talk we had before i got baptize, although  he was oppose to my getting  baptize at the age of 9, he encouraged me saying " If you get baptize be the best Jehovah's Witness you can be.

Before my Dad got sick  he did a lot of reflecting. The day he resumed his bible study with Brother and Sister Malachi Boatwright he excitedly call our sister in Florida on January 12, 2017 to tell how much he enjoyed it. The Boatwrights regularly shared bible truths and biblical videos.  Sister Boatwright said the scripture that really touched his heart the most was Isaiah 1:18, " Come now and let us set matters straight between us says Jehovah, though your sins are like scarlett (red) they will be made white as snow".

As a result before Dad's passing he humbly displayed the same repentant attitude about the Kingdom message related at Luke 23: 42,43.

As wonderful as all this was it was heart wrenching to know my daddy was no longer going to be with me. Jehovah had been so loyal through the pain, sleepless night and tears sending  me at a crucial moment the most beautiful  text message from  my brother Lenny, he said ...

" I love you sister. Excellent job taking care of Daddy. Jehovah has called you to peace. I don't care what people say about our father Debbie, he was and will always be a great father. Jehovah is going to bless your life immensely sister. And really he has already. But imagine this sister!!! Daddy  being resurrected and saying to you personally, ' Excellent job taking care of me Daughter, job well done. I Love You, Now lets go serve Jehovah God together'. Wow!""




Thank you for being an excellent father and a Awesome Provider. I look forward to reuniting with you in Paradise.

Adel Gardner