Willie Lee Gardner's Obituary
WILLIE GARDNER LIFE STORYJuly 22, 1948 – 4/19/2016The Spirit of the Lord spoke to me and said, “Teach my people the God-kind of love, and if my love can be lifted up in the hearts of mankind, I will draw all men unto me, because they cannot resist my love. ” Willie Lee Gardner, entered the earth realm on July 22, 1948: first-born of Mae Etta and Harvey Lee Gardner, in Austin, Texas. The family moved to Oklahoma, and sisters and brothers were born: Charles, Marva, Andrea, Artricia, Bobby, Nathan, and Felicia. Bill began elementary school in Stringtown, Oklahoma, and finished middle school in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The family eventually moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Willie Lee graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, and went to work at KVOO TV Station as a cameraman. Bill attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma for one year, then was drafted into the army during the Vietnam War. Willie gave his life to God at an early age, and his mother endeavored to raise him in a Godly household. He felt the pull of God to accomplish great things during his lifetime and that is the goal that he pursued. Willie’s mother was a Prayer Warrior, and never ceased to pray for her children, her church, and the world. The Power of Prayer had a great effect upon Willie, and he knew that hindrances and strongholds can be removed by Faith in God’s Word and Praying in Faith. Willie entered the Vietnam war as a Conscientious Objector: one who is opposed to bearing arms on the grounds of moral and religious principles. Willie’s application to present his case before the Selective Service appeal board was denied. He served on active duty as a Medical Technician while refusing to use weapons. Willie was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal for serving on active duty in Vietnam. After serving in the armed forces for 18 months, six months of which were in Vietnam, Willie appeared before the Selective Service appeal board, and after explaining his beliefs, received an honorable discharge. Willie said, “You’ve heard the expression, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” “When I was in Vietnam, I promised God that if he returned me back home safely, I would pastor a church one day.” Willie and his wife, Joyce, met at a church function, at 13 years of age. After remaining dedicated to one another while Willie attended Oklahoma University, and Joyce attended Langston Uniiversity, they decided to be married before Bill was deployed to Vietnam, on April 4, 1970. Willie Lee and Joyce were married for 35 years. After Willie returned home, they both were faithful to continue to serve at the Grace Apostolic Temple, where Willie served for over 19 years, and Joyce served for over 14 years. On June 1, 1982, Willie and Joyce held the first service of Love Center Christian Fellowship, at Carver Middle School, with about 50 people in attendance. Willie’s family and those who were being blessed by his call to pastor, rallied around him to make this venture a success. This church ministry grew to over 2000 members. Willie became known as ‘Pastor Bill’ to this community of believers. Willie stated, “We are convinced that the Love of God shown to us by Jesus Christ is the answer to all of life’s challenges.” Jesus Christ said, “A new commandment I give unto you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, because you have love one to another.” St. John 13:34. Through “Love Center”, the community, received a revelation of the “Love of God” which far surpasses all human comprehension. That love which has liberally been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit has revealed to us, ” that Faith in God’s Word, works by LOVE.” In 1993, Pastor Bill was diagnosed with an incurable disease and given a few months to live. By the Grace of God, Pastor Bill has far exceeded life expectations, having lived an additional 23 years, and went with Joy to meet his Saviour on 4/19/2016. Pastor Bill and Joyce are blessed with three wonderful children – Daniel, Steci and David; and three wonderful grandchildren – Jeremiah, Micah, and Brea. At the 15th Church Anniversary of Love Center Christian Fellowship, Pastor Bill shared this word from his heart: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” I Peter 4:12-19. “And it shall come to pass, saith the Lord, ‘I will bring them through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried:’ they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, THE LORD IS MY GOD.” Zechariah 13:9. Memorial Service to be held 1:00 p.m., Friday April 22, 2016 at Church on the Move 180 building located at 1003 N. 129th E. Ave. in Tulsa, OK..
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