Garry (Buddy) Gardner Jr. 49 of Tremont passed away at 1:23 am December 21, 2024, at his home surrounded by family and close friends. He lost his battle to cancer after a tough 3.5-year fight.
He was born March 10, 1975, in Peoria to Garry and Linda (McCabe) Gardner. He married Kimberly (Kimi) Cooper on April 5, 2003. She survives.
Also surviving are his parents Garry and Linda Gardner of Bartonville; two sisters: Tiffany (Ryan) Gazza of Edwards and Lucinda (Dustin) Elliott of AZ; two nieces: Tessa Gazza and Kaitlyn McDaniel; one nephew; Skyler Darnell.
He was preceded in death by his loving son Tyler Gardner; grandparents: Keith and Lucy McCabe and Joe Gardner.
Garry was a very hard-working flooring installer and proudly owned his successful business, Gardner Flooring Inc.
Garry had a love for camping and the outdoors. He and his wife Kimi and son Tyler raced dirt bikes for many years. He was a long-time member of the American Motorcycle Association and the Peoria Motorcycle Club. Garry and Kimi enjoyed competing in Trials Bike events and mountain bike adventures. Garry and Kimi took many trips together exploring the mountains of Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Missouri, Arkansas, Colorado, Utah, and other destinations with their bikes and off-road machines. Garry loved to skateboard with his son Tyler and go fishing with his family. Garry also had a deep love for his kitty cats. Garry was looking forward to retiring with Kimi and moving to Southern Missouri.
Our hearts are breaking but we can take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering. He will be forever remembered.
There will be a celebration of life to share your memories and time with Garry, Saturday February 15, 2025, at the Peoria Motorcycle Club, 605 S. Cameron Lane, Bartonville, IL starting at 11:00AM. A short service will be held at 11:30 with lunch following.
Memorials can be made at the celebration of life or to TAPS Animal Shelter in Pekin.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Garry (Buddy) Gardner Jr., visit the Tribute Store.
