Wiley Carlos Gardner Obituary

We announce the death of Wiley Carlos Gardner of Wilson, North Carolina, who passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 78. Wiley will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

He was predeceased by: his granddaughter Jennifer Lynn Gardner; his sister Sheila Seabright; and his parents, Wiley T. Gardner and Marilyn Litten Gardner. He is survived by: his wife Phyllis Dale Gardner; his son Adam Gardner; his daughter-in-law Jonna Gardner of Wilson; his daughter Alicia Gardner Thompson; his son-in-law Chris Thompson of Elm City; his sister Cheryl Gardner of Oak Island; his grandchildren, Michael Gardner of Lynchburg and Ashley Gardner Ross; his grandson-in-law Cody Ross of Stokes; and his close friends, Albert Deans, Charles Atkins and Pam Johnson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.