Billie Joe Gardner Sr., 92, of Batesville, AR, died on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Billie was born on February 25, 1933, in Scotland, AR, to the late Samuel Franklin Gardner and Marjorie (Wade) Gardner. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy. Billie was a hard worker and enjoyed the years he spent working on the railroad. He worked practically every job available with the railroad over the course of two decades, working all the way up to conductor. Some of Billie’s favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing. He was an avid hunter. Billie was also very handy. He loved to work with his hands and fix cars and tractors.
Billie is preceded in death by both of his parents; his 4 brothers, Glen, Mack, Wade, and Wayne; and his 3 sisters, Dorothy, Roy Jane, and Betty Lou. He is survived by his son, Joe Gardner Jr. of Southside, AR; his two daughters, Pat Bollinger (David), of Missouri, and Lynn Tropf (Steve), of Missouri; his 7 grandchildren; his 16 great-grandchildren; his 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Services are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service of Batesville, AR. Visitation will be at Willis Funeral Service’s Chapel on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 10 AM – 12 PM. The graveside service will also be on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 1 PM, at York Cemetery in Marcella, AR.
