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Lawrence Gardner Obituary
1946 - 2013
Lawrence Parker Gardner died March 22, 2013 in Pensacola, Florida.
Larry's 67 year amazing life journey began in 1946 in Montgomery, Alabama. After graduating from Lanier High School, he graduated from Auburn University. He graduated from Cosmetology School in Montgomery, Alabama, before going on to get his Masters Degree in 1986 at the University of West Florida. Larry's career began as a hairstylist and continued until he retired as the Director of Pensacola State College's Professional Service Career Department; from an Instructor in 1978 to Full Professor; from sharing an office to a department that occupied an entire building. He was the driving force behind the growth of the department and at his retirement in 2009, the Department he headed included the schools of Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, and ROTC. Larry established "Legends" at P.S.C. to honor retirees for which he was very proud of. After he retired, he continued to teach at both PSC and UWF. In addition, he taught lessons in playing bridge throughout Escambia County.
Everything he pursued, he did so full speed ahead. He was a Silver Life Master Bridge player. Larry was a poet, a pianist, an artist and a great story teller. He was an internationally known motivational speaker. His intellect blended with his incredible sense of humor, and touched everyone he met in such a positive way, that all were drawn to him. Larry was a friend you could always count on. His down to earth faith in God gave him a source of peace and comfort, which he gladly shared with others. It was genuine, sincere, and heartfelt. He brightened the dark days of many. He often said, by not becoming attached to any particular outcome; "that allowed me to stay in the day and enjoy what a splendid day it truly was."
Along the way, he met his wife, Joyce. He freely admitted, she was the love of his life and said as their life together went on; "We built that intangible love that only 35 years together can build." Joyce is left to not mourn his passing but to celebrate the countless wonderful adventures they shared along the way. Because of his larger than life presence in so many arenas, Larry's life touched a countless number of people: family, friends, students and those who were fortunate enough to meet him.
Larry was preceded in death by his father Lawler Gardner, mother Madeliene Gardner, and brother Malcolm Gardner.
He is survived by his wife Joyce Gardner, son Mark Gardner, daughter in law Monica Gardner, daughter Laura Hauck, son in law Steve Hauck, son Scott Kirchharr, daughter in law Celease Kirchharr, granddaughter Jayden Kirchharr, grandson Brycen Kirchharr, son Steven Kirchharr, daughter in law Luisa Kirchharr, granddaughter Alexa Kirchharr, sister in law Donna Edgar, sister in law and brother in law Pamela Klein and Michael Vandertill, sister in law Carla Edgar, great nephew Trey Davis and Jacob Davis, claimed as a sister Pat Dasinger, sister in law Rosalind Gardner, nephew Trent Gardner, great niece Marrison Gardner, niece Shawndy Hicks, great niece Taylor Little and Sage Baird, many cousins, numerous other family and friends.
Services to celebrate the life of Larry Gardner will be held Thursday, March 28 at Unity of Pensacola,(716 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32501) with visitation at 5:00 PM and a memorial service at 6:00 PM. Honorary pallbearers are: Dick Bedics, Gary Killough, Vernon Long, Rod Fullerton, David Parello, Al Martin and Ed Mobley.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations may be made to a Cosmetology Scholarship Fund established in the memory of Larry's dedication to Education at:
Pensacola State Foundation
1000 College Blvd.
Building 17
Pensacola, FL 32504
Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Gardner
Larry Davis
March 20, 2025
Celebrating your life today Larry! Rest in Peace!
tasha q
April 9, 2013
A wonderful teacher and person...he will b sorely missed!
RANDALL BROXTON
April 8, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Larry was always fun to work with at Pensacola State. We will all miss him. You are in our thoughts
Melissa (Lauren) Majors
April 4, 2013
I just heard the news tonight and I am crushed. The man who was larger than life lost his life and I am at a loss for words. Even though I graduated PJC Cosmetology back in 1996 and I rarely saw Mr. Gardner except when I had the pleasure of running into him around town, he was always my most favorite person to bump into! The last time I saw him was a few months back at the Pensacola airport. I had just picked someone up and as we were driving out, I saw him and Joyce sitting on a bench. I hollered "hey" and he flashed that big Gardner smile and yelled "HEY!" back. I asked what they were doing and he said, "We just got back from Vegas!" He paused and then he said, "We're broke!" (indicating that he couldn't afford a ride home!) I loved this man and his passing hurts me to the core. When I mention him, I always add that "he was the smartest man that I ever met." I meant that. He understood life and he made you feel like you mattered. The world needs more Larry's. :'(
Alia Moore
April 1, 2013
While I didn't know Larry for a long time, it didn't take long to realize that he was a special man with a big heart who was a loving light in this world. I will always remember him with a smile. He will be missed by many. Blessings to Joyce and all his family.
April 1, 2013
Dearest Joyce, we just got the word of Larry's passing, our heart are very sad indeed. He was a man with a huge loving heart and many smiles. We will always remeber the great times we had with the two of you. We would come if we had known in time. May God be with you and hold on to those memories and remember we love you.
Lloyd and BJ Callis, Millington, Tennessee
Michelle Utsey
March 31, 2013
Remembering Mr. Gardner brings a smile to my face. He was truly an original!!I was in his 1998 class I understood everything he taught me with such clarity!! My mother Carol Fillingim Luchsinger worked with Joyce at Gayfers sorry for your loss the world will be a little dimmer without his ray of sunshine! God Bless
Teresa Tanksley
March 30, 2013
Condolences to Mr. Gardner's family and friends. He was a very special person. R.I.P.
Marsha Hinrich
March 30, 2013
Dearest Joyce and family....my thoughts and prayers are with you...Larry was such a great man and he taught my husband Bill and I many great things about bridge....although my Bill has been gone over 11 years..it is still hard....keep your memories close and Larry will always be in your heart.
Marsha Hinrich
Melinda Ross
March 29, 2013
I attended Larry Gardner's Memorial Celebration yesterday. The church was standing room only, not surprised. The service was wonderful! The special tribute from his family and friends was beautiful. Lots of laughter and tears. Miss you already my friend.....
Karen Hawver
March 29, 2013
Larry was my cosmetology teacher in 1979 at PJC. I will forever remember his humor, his kindness and his beautiful spirit. My prayers are with the family as you find a way to continue life without him. May you find comfort in his remaining spirit. Karen (Vickers) Hawver
Larry Davis, Jr.
March 28, 2013
Dear Joyce, Scott, Steve and Larry's extended family. I am so sorry to hear that Larry has passed away. It has been over 30 years since I have seen you but I wanted you to know that my prayers are with you and your family. Joyce, I have some great memories with your family and Larry. He was such a nice and friendly gentleman and I will always remember his perpetual smile. I know that you will always have great memories of Larry that will forever comfort you!
March 28, 2013
God be with you.Dorothea Guyette.
Alethia Brewer
March 28, 2013
Joyce, I wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I just found out about Larry. He is one of the sweetest guys. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Karen and Michael Doerfler
March 28, 2013
What an AWSOME MAN we had the privilege of knowing!!!! He will be in our hearts and remember forever!!! (((HUGS))) Joyce Family and Friends.
Cindy McCurley Lowden
March 28, 2013
Larry was a most wonderful inspiration and positive influence upon my life and I was certainly forever changed by knowing him as my cosmetology instructor at PJ C. He made what could have been dull and boring an exciting educational experience every single day. Love and prayers for you, Joyce and all of those who are missing him.
Sammie Metcalf
March 28, 2013
Mr. Gardner, you helped me through my toughest time last semester. I am thankful to of had a wonderful professor such as yourself. You will truly be missed!!
Sammie Metcalf
March 28, 2013
Mr. Gardner you helped me through my toughest time, last semester. I am so thankful to of had a wonderful professor such as yourself! You will truly be missed!
March 28, 2013
Joyce...I was only around you and Larry a few times..but those times were so much fun! You two made me believe in love! Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss and know that my heart is so sad for you.
Love, Nancy Trawick
Angie C. Jones
March 27, 2013
Joyce, I knew Larry for 8 years at PJC/PSC and he just had to come into the room and I would smile. He was truly a gift from God and made many a person laugh. May God wrap his loving arms around you and your family and give you strength.
March 27, 2013
Larry was a man of many talents, but more than that he was a man who was easy to love. His passing leaves the world diminished.
Our love and prayers are with you Joyce and your family.
Love, Bob & Jayne
Ken Sargent
March 27, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing Larry when we both worked at PJC. He was always quick with a smile and was one of my favorite people a the college. More importantly he was dedicated to his students and to providing them with the best education possible. He left us much too soon - however I know that his family and friends will treasure their memories of Larry. He was one of the good guys.
March 27, 2013
I am a richer person for having known Larry. He was a dear friend and colleague. My sympathies are extended to Joyce and Larry's family.
Jim Martin
Gulf Breeze, Florida
Janeen Long
March 27, 2013
Larry, May God Bless you and yours! I will always cherish my time with you in PJC Cosmetology! Thank you for all you did. You will be missed and most certainly remembered fondly. Janeen Long
Pat Arnold
March 27, 2013
Larry was a wonderful man. His smile lit up the room he walked in and the hearts of every one that met and knew him. The world is a better place because he was in it, and he spread beauty around thru the stylist he inspired.Love to you, Joyce, family, and PatD.
Shannon (Cork) Smith
March 27, 2013
Thoughts and Prayers for all the Family & Friends. What a great loss.
Marianne
March 27, 2013
Larry had a big smile and would give you a hug. Very caring man. My thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and family.
Kathy & Doyle Thomas
March 27, 2013
Joyce and family, we were so saddened to hear of Larry's passing. What a delightful man; he always had a smile to share with everyone....may God wrap His arms around you and help ease the pain of losing Larry....Our thoughts and prayers are wtih you during this sorrowful time......Love to all....
March 27, 2013
RIP!
March 27, 2013
Cosmetology: the art and science of beauty. Thank you Mr. Gardner for the experience!
Raynell
Amy Faircloth Blair
March 27, 2013
Mr. Gardner, your legacy will live on in all of us you spent years teaching. Thank you. Class of 1992.
Alice Campbell
March 26, 2013
Larry was a great inspiration in my life! Someone that I always wanted to make proud of me! From the first time I meet him in Jan 1984 as a student at PJC starting my journey he was and will always be in my sub conscious inspiring me to move forward, hold your head high, and LEARN!! We both love Science and the why!! Larry was a great man full of life and LOVE! He always made a smile on my face!! He will be greatly missed!!! Joyce, and family, Pat D
You are all in my prayers I am so sorry for this tragic loss!! What a wonderful legacy Larry has left. Loved by all! I thank him for my Passion in my Carreer!
Angelika Davis
March 26, 2013
I recently had the honor to meet Larry. I understand the inspiration he was to the people who's life's he touched. Joyce keep all those sweet memories of Larry in your heart; and he will be close to you forever. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
The Lord will cover you with his feathers,and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield...... Psalm 91:4
March 26, 2013
Joyce & Family
We are so deeply sorry about Your loss. Larry was a great person and he was my professor at PJC.and became a very good friend. He always made a point in making you feel good about your self and your work.He was a big help to many of us. Our love and prayers to all of you. He will be missed. Betty & John Bracken
Carol Saul
March 26, 2013
I just learned of Larry's tragic passing & am so sorry, Joyce. I'll miss our talks as he walked your dog. You both have many friends offering love & support. Please lean on us if you need anything.
March 26, 2013
Didn't know he was so acclaimed. He was so down to earth. Still picture the giraffes in his backyard!:)
Keeping the memory!
Sharon Galloway
March 26, 2013
M-S-U! Make something up! One of the best pieces of advice I ever recieved and still use to this day. The world lost a wonderful man. A person who could find the positive in any situation or person. One who has touched so many people's lives can never truly die. I will miss his heart-felt hugs and witty sense of humor.
-Laura Darling-Morris
Kym Atwood
March 26, 2013
I thought the world of Larry. He was always smiling and he brightened my day every time I saw him. He will be greatly missed. Larry and the entire Gardner family are in my thoughts and prayers
March 26, 2013
What a tragic loss. Larry was "one of a kind" and I enjoyed working with him at Pensacola State. We both graduated from Lanier High School and shared many
mutual friends. He was always positive
and it was always fun to be around him.
His humor was notorius and his dedication to his work well known and appreciated. I Saw Larry Tuesday before
his passing and he was enjoying life and ofcourse his bridge game at the
College. He will be missed but surely
remembered in the fondest way.
Lanier High School
March 26, 2013
Joyce,
Just want you, Larry's family and friends to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I just realized that Larry and I (Mary Alice) are fortunate enough to share the same high school Alma Mater - "Sidney L".
Mary Alice & Bennett Orr
Charles Douglas
March 26, 2013
Larry, it was an honor to call you a friend, and all the help you have done for me over the years. I play the tape often of my retirement. There are no words that can tell how I fell for you and your wonderful wife. You will be missed by all, but never replaced, as friends cannot be replaced.
Al Burnette
March 26, 2013
When Larry lived in Montgomery, we were very close friends so many years ago. We played Bridge a lot and had so many good times. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and other friends. May God comfort all of us during this time.
Bob Pierce
March 26, 2013
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Larry. As a fellow Department Head at PJC, I remember Larry as “the life of the party.” His humor and wit were what kept many of us going on many days. He was active in everything that PJC was doing from “All College Day” to supporting our different educational themes each academic year. I will always remember Larry as a good friend, co-worker, and confidant. I can just see him now adding to the happiness and smiles in heaven.
Bob Pierce
Nicola Spear
March 26, 2013
Joyce, Larry was such a happy man. Both of you were so great to welcome Peggy and myself to the bridge club. I know you will miss him. I'm so sorry. Just know, he will be with you forever in your heart. I was lucky to have met him. Much love, Nicola.
March 26, 2013
Larry was a wonderful person. He never met a stranger. Billy and I will always remember his witty personality and the stories he shared with us. Larry always made a point to stop by our table to chat. Joyce, you are in our prayers. Know you are loved by many people.
Our deepest sympathy,
Beth and Billy
Dean Willis
March 26, 2013
His time was too soon and his loss will be felt by many. As I think about it I never saw him without a smile on his face which always inspired me. Because of this we will have great memories of a fine man. Rest in peace my friend.
March 26, 2013
I had the opportunity to work with Larry at PJC for 10 years. What an amazing person! He touched many lives and was an inspiration to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Carole Bradford
Knoxville, TN
Trina Hinrichs
March 26, 2013
Mr. Gardner was currently my instructor and I am so thankful to have learned from him.. He was so real and funny. It broke my heart to hear the news. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.. We will miss him. His memory will always live on
Merri Dennis
March 26, 2013
Dear Family & loved ones,
I remember the first day of class with Mr. Gardner in January 1983 at PJC. His smile entered the room before he did! He was serious in teaching yet wanting us all to learn. We saw him at a party once and I said "hi Mr. Gardner." He said "it's Mr. Gardner in class, anywhere else, it's Larry." Then he flashed that smile. He will be thought of and missed by many. Please keep your memories of him close to your heart. He was a great man and dedicated to his profession. God bless you all now and always. So in keeping with my southern manners, Rest In Peace Mr. Gardner.
March 26, 2013
I knew Larry from my time working at PJC. He gave seminars and workshops for career service staff. He turned what could have been a dull, boring afternoon into a halarious laugh fest. We always looked forward to his workshops. He was a gracious, kind person. I am so sorry that he is gone from our presence.
Dianne Burkhead
PJC class of 1996 hairstylist
March 26, 2013
To the family, It would take more than this space here to express the experience that I endured from knowing Mr. Gardner. I am one of the best hair stylist today because of the opportunity of attending his program at PJC. My clients have gone around town, and were approached by him, and he asked" who did your hair"? And when they told him who did he would say, " oh, she's one of mine"! That truly flattered me. My words of encouragement to the family would be," to lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path"!
God bless
March 26, 2013
Joyce, My thoughts are with you and family. We shared a lot of memories and I know Larry is in that great salon with his magic wand.
Love to all
Dianne Whitehurst
Dallas Ga
Jennifer Harris
March 26, 2013
From the 16 year old girl he taught to hold a pair of shears,to the Unity student,he taught life skills to..I was forever changed,by the wisdom&patience of Larry Gardner.
The love of God enfolds you -Jennifer Harris
Marty McMillan
March 26, 2013
Joyce and Family , We are so sorry for your loss . Larry was a GOOD MAN and a loving and kind person with a beautiful heart for others . God bless you . Marty McMillan/David Edens
Charla DelMarco
March 26, 2013
I had the honor of being one of Larry's students in the early 90's. He was such an inspiration to myself and many others. He was a joyful soul who brought happiness to so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Joyce. He will be dearly missed
March 26, 2013
I had the pleasure of being one of Larry's students in the early 90's. He was truly an inspiration to myself and many others and was always a cheerful soul. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family Joyce. He will be dearly missed.
Carolyn Hall
March 25, 2013
I have known Larry for about the last 8 years, but we had only become good friends in the last two months, when I volunteered to help him at the bridge club. We have laughed and joked on the phone, in person and through emails and I have truly enjoyed this time. He was a happy man who tried always to look on the bright side of things. I will truly miss him!
" Joy" Pamela Lindsey
March 25, 2013
I met Larry in 1979 when I was 17 years old starting my first day of cosmetology school! He was such a wonderful teacher, full of life and always kept class fun! I'd often have the pleasure of running into Larry after I became a hairdresser since I worked with his lovely wife, Joyce, for 13 years and he always had a kind word and a smile on his face. He had a huge impact on my life and career and I will truly miss him! Joyce, I'm so sorry for your loss and you and your family will be in my prayers.
Gary Little.
March 25, 2013
My prayers are with the people whose life Larry has touched . He was truly larger than life and I feel blessed to have shared a special friendship than spanned 30 plus years. I am a better person today because of the influence Larry and Joyce had on my life. Thank you for always being there for me. I love you Joyce and I will stay in touch.
Patti Freeman
March 25, 2013
He was a wonderful and vivacious person. Thoughts and prayers to Joyce, family and friends.
Sheran Noles
March 25, 2013
Larry was one of those people you knew was a friend the moment you met him. I feel fortunate to have known him as a friend and colleague. He made you smile from the inside out. My only thought in this tragedy is the words of my niece at age 10 and her mom died as she told us God just needed another angel and this time he needed a very happy one. I will always remember your smiles during my own tragedies. Keep smiling!
Patty Moran
March 25, 2013
Larry, you were one of the first persons I met when arriving in Pensacola, and certainly the one I will never forget. That meeting was in The Course of Miracles, a study we both truly enjoyed. To meet you and Joyce later at the bridge table added humor and affection to that friendship. I will surly miss you, but I know God has a special need for you with all of your talents.
Kathy Johnson Tillman
March 25, 2013
I had the pleasure of being in Larry's 1979-1980 cosmotology class. He was a wonderful and Funny teacher, not above throwing the occasional eraser at someone not listening to him. He was loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss.
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