Robert Chesley Gardner, Jr.

Patrick, SC

Mr. Robert “Robbie” Chesley Gardner, Jr., age 65 of Patrick, SC passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at his home. Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Sunday, May 24, 2026 in the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home by Pastor Jeff Williams with burial to follow in the Patrick cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 3:00 PM Sunday, prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Mr. Gardner was born July 16, 1960 in Hartsville, SC a son of the late Robert C. Gardner, Sr. and Betty Rose Gardner Jacobs. He spent his entire career as an auto body repairman and mechanic, working for a number of years with Patrick Auto Parts. Robbie was also a former employee of Spider’s BP station. He enjoyed attending classic car shows and following his favorite NASCAR drivers, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Robbie was proud of his tool collection and was always adding to it. Other pastimes included watching college football (especially the Carolina Gamecocks with his son Charles), fishing, and his favorite – arguing with his sister, Sherrie. Of all things he enjoyed, being a “Papa” to his grandchildren was second to none.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Gardner was also preceded in death by his mother’s late husband, Jake Jacobs; sister, Cindy Presker; son, Brandon Christopher Gardner; and his son’s Charles’ late mother, Berrie “Bea” Polk Gardner.

Survivors include his son, Charles (Makayla) Gardner of Patrick, SC; grandchildren, Grayson, London, and Charlie (affectionately known by Robbie as “Charlie Horse”); sisters, Sherrie (David) Windham of Hartsville, SC, Angie Bryant of Society Hill, SC, and Lori (Danny) Norton of Hartsville, SC; in addition to 4 nephews, and 2 nieces.

Memorials may be made to MRC Funeral Home, 318 E. Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709 to assist the family.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Gardner family.