Rolland L. Gardner

Capt. Rolland L. ""Tony"" Gardner, USAF Retired, age 75, of Gulfport, MS, died on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, in Dallas, TX.
Mr. Gardner was born in Denver, Co and was a long time resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for many years living in Ocean Springs, Orange Grove, Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead, and Gulfport, MS. Having lost most everything during Hurricane Katrina he temporarily relocated to Dallas, TX in 2005 but never could give up on his love for the Mississippi coast, culture and people returning to live in Gulfport shortly after.
Tony was a graduate of Auburn University and went on to have a long career in the United States Air Force stationed all over the world including the Philippines and Germany, retiring as a Captain while working at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. After the air force he took a position working with the US Naval Oceanographic Department (NAVO) at the Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, MS. He first worked on the Teleprobes, and then became a Lead Electronic Technician and served on the USNS Littehales. When he retired he was serving as the shop leader for the Survey Systems Support Branch.
Tony had many loves; his family, Auburn Football and his pets. Any given fall Saturday you could find him waiting anxiously in front of the television for an Auburn football game to come on. On every other day of the week you could find him watching the replay of the game win or lose. He is a War Eagle Forever. His passion for rescuing and fostering animals and his three Greyhound pups; Cinderella, Missy and Piper was known to all who knew him. Tony was actively involved in many adoption events and was definitely a ""friend of the animals"". He will have many family and pet companions to meet him at the rainbow bridge. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great friend.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Rolland and Jackie Gardner of Lucedale, MS; his wife, Frances S. Gardner; and a son Rusty Gardner.
He is survived by two daughters, Tracy Gardner Aaron of Dallas, TX; Kristen Elizabeth Gardner of Diamondhead, MS; a son, Randy Gardner of Mobile, AL; grandsons Reid and Davis Aaron of Dallas, TX.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 12'Noon at Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, 19361 28th Street, Long Beach, MS.
In lieu of flowers, his memory may be honored with a gift to one of his favorite organizations: The Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Avenue Gulfport, MS 39501, The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, ""GALT"", 3400 Carlisle St. #310, Dallas, TX 75204-1265, , ""The Greyhound Pets of America/LA & MS"", 11266 West Anne Drive, Walker, LA 70785, or to ""It's a Grey Area Greyhound Adoption"", 39311 W Porter River Rd, Pearl River, LA 70452.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, served the family.
For more information, please call (228)539-9800.