Dr. W. Wayne Gardner, age 79, of Toccoa, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026 at his home.

Born October 13, 1946 in Trion, GA, he was the son of the late James and Minnie Ruth LeCroy Gardner.

Dr. Gardner was a retired President Emeritus at Toccoa Falls College, and he was a member of the Toccoa First Alliance Church.  After retirement, he worked at The Links Golf Course.  He loved his daughters and grandchildren, watching The Masters golf tournament and watching Georgia Bulldogs football.

Family members include his wife, Dr. Donna Diehl Gardner; daughters, Julie Anne Willard (Shawn) of Gainesville, GA, Suzanne Bladowski (Chris) of Toccoa, and Michelle McClain (Michael) of Bowersville, GA; grandchildren, Alex Keener, Olivia Bladowski, Nikki Bladowski, Emily Mullinax, Kassidy McClain and Jonathan McClain; brother, Thomas Gardner (LaRay); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Verlene Sue Stoddard Gardner.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 6pm – 8pm Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at one o'clock Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Toccoa First Alliance Church with the Rev. Ferrell Towns officiating.

Burial will follow at Roselane Cemetery.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers:  Alex Keener, Jonathan McClain, Richard Bartmas, Michael McClain, Shawn Willard and Chris Bladowski.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net.

Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Dr. W. Wayne Gardner.