William Flay Gardner's Obituary
William Flay Gardner, of Irving, Texas, was welcomed into Heaven and God’s loving arms on Thursday, November 6, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was a gregarious, fun-loving, intelligent, and kind man—a devoted Christian whose warmth and laughter brightened the world around him. Those who knew him will remember his melodious, hearty laugh and his joy for life. He loved sailing with his family, telling stories, collecting good boxes that will come in handy someday and getting a “little bit better deal”. He never met a stranger, and his humor and faith touched countless lives. He loved his family dearly and constantly spoke of his beautiful wife, Suzanne, his children, grandkids, and great grandkids.
Flay was born on March 24, 1940, in Dallas, Texas, to Thomas Edwards Gardner, Jr. and Felicia Williamson Gardner. He grew up on the family farm in Navasota before moving to Richardson Texas with his family. He attended Texas A&M and the University of North Texas. He worked for many years in air conditioning sales and later in life worked for the Small Business Administration helping people rebuild after hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. He also enjoyed many years in the leadership of his neighborhood, working to improve life for his neighbors.
He was the oldest of five children and leaves behind a family who love him deeply: his wife Suzanne Jaques Gardner; his sister Bettye (Ron) Goode, their daughters Olivia (Brian) Goode McGarry and Amy (Richard) Downs; his sister Joyce Ann “Annye” (Craig) Townsend and their children Ashley (Clay) Cole and Grant Townsend; Flay’s son Andy (LeAnne) Gardner and their children Lindsey (Cole) Jorge and Garrett Gardner; his daughters Katherine Gardner (Joe) Yates and Karey (Chuck) Daniels; and his great-granddaughter Emerie Jorge who recently delighted him with a visit in the hospital.
He is also survived by stepson Chris (Jean) Petersen and their children Spencer (Christa) Petersen, Hope (Drew) Oglesby, Kelly (Grant) Bearfield, and Meredith Combs; stepson Todd (Tiffani) Petersen and their children Auney (Caleb) Portales, Aiden (Emily) Petersen, and Travis Petersen; and stepdaughter-in-law Jana Petersen Bekavac and her children Jack (Shelby) Petersen, Scott Petersen, and Tori Petersen, - as well as great-grandchildren Hardy Petersen, Betsy Petersen, Thom Petersen, James Bearfield, Jonathan Bearfield, Rylee Bearfield, Avery Oglesby, Jude Oglesby, Rosanna Portales, and our newest blessing, Magnolia Portales, born just two days before Flay’s passing. “Daddy Flay” would have adored her as he did all his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Gardner, his brother, Stevie Gardner, his grandson, Landry Gardner, and stepson, John Petersen.
He loved his Prestonwood family and had many deep friendships which lasted over the decades. He also loved his years in the Prestonwood Choir with Suzanne.
Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the Prestonwood Baptist Church Chapel at 6801 W. Park Blvd, Plano, Texas. The family will welcome visitors in the Fireside Room, directly across from the chapel, in the hour prior to and immediately following the service.
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