James Leeland Gardner, Sr.

James Leeland Gardner, Sr. age 77 of Union Hall went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 14, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born in Martinsville, VA on May 5, 1944 a son of the late Mary Helen Wood Miles and Dennis Lee Gardner, and was raised in Snow Creek, Va. (where he was very proud to grow up). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Tammy Gardner Mabry. Surviving are his devoted wife, Kathy Mattox Gardner of Union Hall; five loving children, Heather and Reed Brown, Leeland Jr. and Sandy, Cabell and Jessica, Will and Jessica, Kathy Ann and Kurt Randall; 19 cherished grandchildren, Dustin Mabry, Havanna, Samiah, Kendall, Garrett, Sierra, LeeAnna, Wyatt, Abbie, Aydin, Anna, Helen, Ryder, Raegan, Libby, Ora, Laila, Eve, and Presley; two sisters, Rita Loving (George) and Valerie Gardner. Leeland served in the Unites States Army. He married the love of his life, Kathy, where he devoted his life to serving the Lord, his family, and work, which he instilled into his family to carry on. His work ethic and desire to take care of his family was displayed through his many talents. He was a tobacco farmer, dairy farmer, truck driver, and sawmiller. Leeland had a passion for raising and working draft horses. Through his life, he built a legacy of faith, love, and integrity, which was imparted on to his children and grandchildren, showing them to love God first, take care of your family, and work hard. Leeland and his unique personality will never be forgotten. Funeral services will be conducted at Faith Fellowship Church 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2021 with Pastor Gary Hoffman officiating. Interment will follow at the Mattox Family Cemetery. His family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.