Charles Wayne "Charlie" Gardner, 61, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. A memorial service was held on Sunday, December 27 at 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Fuquay-Varina.

Charlie was born in Raleigh and grew up there, graduating from W. G. Enloe High School in 1966. He was a proud graduate of N.C. State University in Raleigh and a member and past chapter president of Sigma Pi Fraternity. Charlie retired from Progress Energy after 31 years of dedicated service. At the time of his death, he was employed by the State of North Carolina, as Manager, Service Warranty, Office of Information Technology Services. Charlie was an avid N.C. State fan and could often be found tailgating with his fraternity brothers at N.C. State football games. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Fuquay-Varina where he was a past member of the Administrative Council. A loving father and husband, Charlie enjoyed cooking, gardening, spending time with his family and relaxing at the beach and mountains. Charlie was given numerous loving nicknames by his family, including ‘Dad,’ ‘Daddio,’ ‘the Faja,’ ‘PaPa’ and ‘Clark Griswold.’

He was preceded in death by his father, L. B. Gardner, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Ballard Gardner; children, Meredith G. Perry and husband, Chuck; Laurie G. Gould and husband, Dan; Katrin, Marion and Marc Haege; grandchild, Daisy Elizabeth Gould; mother, Sue Moore Gardner-Kelly and husband, Gene and loving pets Chloe and Niko.

The family received friends on Sunday, December 27, prior to the memorial service, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County; 1300 St. Marys St; Raleigh, First United Methodist Church – Fuquay-Varina; PO Box 126 and Military Missions in Action; 411-B North Judd Parkway, NE; Fuquay-Varina.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.thomasfuneral.com.