Donald Ray Gardner

Gardner, Donald Ray (Ray), 97, of Knoxville, formerly of Kingston, went to be with the Lord on February 7, 2026. Ray was a member of First Baptist Church Concord and formerly Cedar Grove Baptist in Kingston. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Ray retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory after 42 years of service.

Ray served several years as a volunteer for Mission of Hope. He was preceded in death by parents Doc & Ethel Gardner, and son, Steve Gardner. Survived by his wife of 76 years Kathleen White Gardner; sons Don Gardner (Cindy) of Bayview, Idaho and Jeff Gardner (Mary) of Kingston; grandchildren Matthew Gardner (Erin), Nathan (Jessica), Dakota and Leyton, great-grandchildren Isaac and Grace and many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mission of Hope.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the nurses of VIP Family Home Care and Dr. Robert Montgomery who provided excellent care for Ray.

Family and friends will gather at 2:00pm, 02/10/26 at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Kingston, for graveside services and interment. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel is serving the Gardner family.