OBITUARY "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 James Otto "Hick" Gardner slipped away early Friday morning, January 18, 2013 at the Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina. He was the son of the late James C. Gates and Samantha "Tiny" Gardner, born on October 19, 1942. Otto attended Lexington Rosenwald School. He was a state employee as a "professional painter" for over 20 years. After his retirement he enjoyed fishing, sports and was a dedicated member of the Esquire Club in the Lexington community. At a very early age Otto joined the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. He attended Sunday School and was a member of the Usher board. After most of his life residing in Lexington, he later moved to Leesville, SC; he then attended Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church as well as other churches in the Batesburg-Leesville community. Otto was preceded in death by his son Jason R. Gardner and many other family members and friends. Otto leaves to cherish his memories to his three daughters, Anjanetta Smith, Gloria Smith and April Gardner McGuire, all of Lexington, SC; one son, Aaron Smith of Lexington, SC; four grandsons, James "Corvin" Gardner, Christopher "Chris" Smith, Diante "DJ" Gardner, all of Lexington, SC and Jayden Gardner Knighter of Colombia, SC and one granddaughter, Brianca McGuire of Moreno Valley, CA; two great grandsons, Samej Gardner of Lexington and Jaison Rose of Moreno Valley, CA; three sisters, Barbara (Abraham) Leaphart and Tiny (Steve) Younginer, both of Lexington, SC and Arlene Gates of West Columbia, SC; four brothers, James "Theo" (Cedelle) Gates, of West Columbia, SC, Timrod (Joyce) Gates, of Prosperity, SC, Rodney Gates of Lexington, SC and Terry Gates of Columbia, SC. Three aunts, Sammie Mae (Willie, Sr.) Wise, Madeline Gardner and Florisha Kinard; one uncle, Andrew (Lillian) Gates. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves a very special and devoted friend, Ms. Lillie Bryant. Lovingly Submitted by The Family

Service Information

VISITATION The family will be receiving friends and visitors at the J.H. Robinson Funeral Home, 701 Hendrix st Lexington SC on Sunday January 20, 2013 from 1:00 to 7:00 PM. FUNERAL SERVICES The funeral for Mr James Otto Gardner will be held on Monday, January 21, 2013, 2:00pm at Plesant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Lexington SC Viewing will begin at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church on Monday January 21, at 1:00 pm