Gerald Clay "Nurney" Gardner made his grand entrance on July 12, 1970, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, born to Queen Esther Randolph and Melvin Gleaton. On August 23, 2025, at the age of 55, Gerald took his final bow in San Antonio, Texas, leaving behind memories filled with love, laughter, and a touch of swagger.

Raised in Orangeburg, Gerald was a proud Bruin of Orangeburg Wilkinson High School. Gerald grew up in the faith at Bull Swamp Baptist Church, where he cultivated a deep belief in prayer and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. His faith, along with his natural magnetism, made him not just the life of the party but also a source of strength and encouragement for those blessed to know him, always one to keep his hands (and his wardrobe) impeccable, he built a career as a commercial painter, heavy vehicle operator, and commercial truck driver (owner of his own trucking company). No matter the job, he showed up sharp, because—as everyone knew—Gerald believed in hard work and being well dressed for the occasion.

Since his teenage years, Gerald loved dancing and exercising. Many will remember him flexing his "cobra wing lats" with Bruce Lee flair, just to make everyone laugh. With his charisma, he never met a stranger and could turn any room into a celebration. With mental fortitude, humor, and compassion, Gerald carried a gift for uplifting others. He cared for people to a fault, always seeing the good in them, and he never failed to make others feel valued.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Rhonda Gibson-Gardner, who shared in his laughter and journey. He was the proud father of  three children, daughter Shanequa (Jackie) Williams, son Gerald Gardner Jr., and his baby girl Tyqwe (Chena) Becks; grandchildren Sabri and Marcus Gerald Gardner III, Kyson, and Garrone; his mother Queen Esther Gardner Randolph; father Melvin Gleaton; siblings, sisters Verdine Gleaton and Wanda Livingston; brothers Richard (Annette) Randolph, Donovin Randolph and Lamont Gleaton; nephews Peyton and Demere and an abundance of  family and friends.

Though his departure was sudden, Gerald leaves behind a legacy of joy, family, and faith that will echo for generations.