W.T. Shumake & Daughters

June 17, 1952 - February 22, 2025

Willie Lee "Jenga" Gardner, 58, of Louisville transitioned on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Visitation 9am - 11am Saturday, March 1, 2025, at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. The funeral followed at 11am. Burial Green Meadows Cemetery.
Willie (Jenga) Gardner was born on June 17, 1952, in Gunnison, Mississippi to the union of David Gardner Sr. and Dorothy Mae Gardner. He moved to Louisville, Ky in 1954 at the age of two and was the oldest of 7 children until he passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025.

He began his spiritually journey at a young age by joining Antioch Baptist Church and received his education at Dupont Manual High School. He worked at Phillip Morris until his retirement.

Willie loved to have family get-togethers and was known for his big fourth of July gatherings. No matter what, he went all out for his fireworks and loved to watch his kids and grandkids enjoy themselves. Each year he had the largest show on the block and always tried to outdo himself the next year. He would also put on his chef’s hat and work the grill.
Willie loved jazz and would plug his speakers in to entertain the entire neighborhood. Him and his friends would play corn hole in the yard all day. He was a free spirit and never met a stranger. Everyone who lived or didn’t live in Newburg knew of Willie who lived in the house on the corner of Robinwood who sat outside in his chair all day.

He was a big sports fan and the TV always played the current games. His favorite football team was the Cleveland Browns and favorite basketball team was the U of L Cardinals. On his day of departure he showed joy when he was told U of L won their game that day.

Willie was preceded in death by his father David Gardner Sr. and his mother Dorothy Gardner. His brothers John and Frank Gardner, his sisters Delores and Rose Gardner, and his grandsons Antwain Milliner, Latroy Swain, and Kevin Saunders.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Yolonda Gardner; two daughters Latosha Milliner (Dontrail-deceased) and Tiaka Williams (Tyree); a son Willie Lee Gardner Jr; four stepdaughters Renee Jones, Ann Bragg (James), Kim Spencer (Sam), and Temeka Thornton (Antwon-deceased); one stepson Michael Hatchett Jr; his aunt Essie Fortney and his uncle James Fortney (Clarice); brother, David Gardner, Jr; sister, Dorothy Mae Gardner, Jr. “Dottie”; twenty six grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.