Ray A. Gardner, age 40 of Anderson, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2019 at St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital following a sudden illness.  He was born January 28, 1979 in Goshen, the son of Steven L. Gmurk and Patsy (Williams) Gardner.  He was a 1998 graduate of Elwood Community High School.  During high school, Ray helped manage both the girls' softball and volleyball teams.  Ray worked for All My Sons Storage & Moving Company in Fishers as a mover for 2 years, and he also previously worked at the Airport Restaurant in Elwood for 13 years.  He was a devoted member of the Cross Roads United Methodist Church in Anderson where he regularly helped serve communion.  Ray enjoyed watching NASCAR, and his favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.  He was also an avid Indianapolis Colts football fan, I.U. Basketball fan, and a W.W.E. wrestling fan.  Ray especially liked to watch Nightrider and Jeff Dunham and enjoyed playing various games on his phone.  At work, Ray was very well respected by his coworkers for his outstanding work ethic.  More than anything, Ray loved spending time with his family, and he will be greatly missed.

Ray's family includes his mother, Patsy Gardner of Anderson; brother, James Gardner of Elwood; sister, Jessica West of Elwood; maternal grandmother, Jean Williams of Elwood; 2 aunts, Penny Eldridge of Elwood and Pamela Seaux of Greensboro, NC; uncle, David (wife Vida) Williams of Elwood; great-aunt, Jo Ann Williams of Noblesville; step-siblings, Felicia, Damion, and Jeremy; 2 special dogs, "Too-Too" and "Lil Man"; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Steven L. Gmurk; maternal grandfather, George Williams; step-sister, Shannon Gmurk; and paternal grandparents.

Cremation was chosen and a private family burial will take place at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood.  Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home is honored to care for Ray's cremation arrangements.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.