Charlie Dean Gardner was born on April 5, 1945, in Dawson, Georgia to Raymond and Trudie Mae Gardner.

He graduated from Pinellas High School, Class of 1962. Charlie served in the United States Army from April 12, 1966, to March 25, 1968. He attended San Jose State College from 1970 to 1972 where he played in the Football Pasadena Bowl in 1971. Charlie was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the Men’s and Mass Choirs. He was employed for Pinellas County Water Department, retiring in 2007, after 17 years of service.

From an early age Charlie showed courage and determination. As one of the first black athletes in Pinellas County to play football alongside white athletes, he didn’t just love the game – he helped change it. Sports remained a lifelong passion, something he followed closely and talked about regularly.

At his core, Charlie was a man of service. He would give you the shirt off his back and ask for nothing in return. He was dependable, selfless and always there when you needed him. Above all, he loved his family deeply. His legacy is one of generosity, resilience and joy. He leaves behind a life well-lived, a community touched by kindness and a family who will forever carry his love forward.

Charlie Dean Gardner departed this life on May 23, 2026, at Suncoast Hospice Care Center, Pinellas Park, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Gardner, parents, Raymond and Trudie Mae Gardner and brothers, David Gardner and Johnny Gardner, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories…his wife of four years: Glenda Gardner; daughters: Melissa Gardner, Martina Gardner-McKenzie and Beverly Gardner-Northern (Rodney); sisters: Mamie Gardner and Marie Grace; sisters-in-law: Lucille Gardner, Barbara Jean Jackson, Jonice Adele Arthur and Martha Allen (Michael); grandchildren: Shansla Gardner, Branden Gooden, Patrick Kearney, Jr., Robert Kearney, Sr., Blythe McKenzie, Mahogany Randolph and Kierion Mosley; great-grandchildren: Aria Kearney, Willliam Kearney, Zeniyah Kearney, Robert “Bobby” Kearney, Jr. and Noah McKenzie; stepchildren: Jasmine Ridpath (Tim) and Dorrian Randolph (Joanna); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Visitation - Friday, May 29, 2026 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 13255 118th Street North, Largo, Florida

Celebration of Life Service - Saturday, May 30, 2026 - 1:00 p.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 13255 118th Street North, Largo, Florida.

Professional Services Entrusted to Smith Young Funeral Home - 727-442-2388