Kenneth Lee "Kent" Gardner

Kenneth Lee “Kent” Gardner departed this life on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Mission Hospital in Asheville. He was the son of Fannie M. Gardner Anderson and the late Randolph Davidson. The late Deacon Henry Anderson was best known as Kent’s father.

Born in Asheville, Kenneth worked in the construction field, where he was a master at preparing and pouring concrete. He never met a stranger and was known for being a constant jokester.

Other than his father and Deacon Anderson, he was also preceded in death by an uncle, Levi Gardner, Jr.

Kent leaves to cherish his memory his mother Fannie M. Gardner Anderson, daughter Kendra Gardner, brothers Darrin Gardner (Yvonne) of Forest City, Vincent Gardner (Lina) of Winston Salem, aunt / sister Lorraine Gardner of Asheville, a special aunt / mother Peggy Roberts, aunts Juanita Turner, Gladys Lee Gardner, Betty Jean Smith, and Josephine Marie Roberts, a special cousin Don Roberts, a special “like a brother” Vernon Greene Jr., girlfriend Tammy Robinson, and other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service to honor the life of Kent will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church (438 New Salem Rd, Swannanoa, NC), at 1pm. He will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the service at the church cemetery. Viewing will be held at Avery's Memorial Chapel on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 2pm – 7pm. The service will be live streamed on Avery's Memorial Chapel's Facebook page.

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