Walter Eugene Gardner

Walter Eugene Gardner "GENE", age 101, passed away February 16, 2026.

Gene was born in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, on July 23, 1924, and was the youngest son of Cecil Gardner and Bessie (Stansberry) Gardner.

He served as Seaman First Class in the United States Navy on the USS Neshanic, Pacific Theater during WWII from 1942 thru 1946. Upon discharge from the Navy, he moved back to Tennessee, where he met and married Maude McKenzie.

He was a devoted husband for 68 years. He and Maude lived in Oak Ridge for over fifty years. Gene was a lineman for the phone company in Meigs County. After moving to Oak Ridge, he worked at the K-25 plant, then the Y-12 plant, retiring in 1983. During the 1960's he and his brother Charles Gardner owned and operated a Pure Oil Service Station on Illinois Avenue. In addition, he and his eldest brother, Thomas Gardner owned and operated The Harriman Drag Strip. His passion for cars and trucks, especially vintage, lasted throughout his entire life. Gene had many talents and enjoyed softball, fishing, camping, carpentry (which was his father's trade) and fixing anything with an engine.

He is survived by son Ron Gardner of Oak Ridge; daughter Karen Haun and husband Charlie of Maryville, three grandchildren: Kimberly and husband Ryan Raphael, of St. Louis; Bryan Thomas of Atlanta; Griff Gardner, of Oak Ridge; four great grandchildren: Dillon (age 21), Lily (age 16), Nathan (age 15) and Jacob (age 12).

Graveside services will take place on Friday February 20th, 2026 at 12:00PM at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Garden of Christus

The family requests no flowers, but donations may be made in honor of Gene to www.ALZ.org Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. An online guestbook can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.