Gardner Bertell Puckham

Gardner Bertell Puckham transitioned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at Christiana Hospital; he was 84 years old. The second of four sons born to the late Anna Waller Puckham and Robert Puckham, Sr., Gardner began his earthly journey on Sunday, December 9, 1934, in Laurel, Delaware. He received his early education at the Paul Laurence Dunbar School in Laurel and then William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown, Delaware. While in high school, he enjoyed playing sports and excelled in football and basketball. Gardner had a laid back personality, but he would offer a friendly smile. He was known as a cool guy with a great hook shot. After graduating in 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army and was fortunate to serve along-side his older brother, Bobby, in Korea. Not only did he serve his country, he enjoyed traveling the world. Gardner was employed at the DuPont Plant in Seaford, Delaware, for many years. After retiring, he was employed with the Pictsweet Company in Bridgeville, Delaware. On August 9, 1963, he was united in holy matrimony to Shirley Cooper. To this union were born two sons, Brendon and Terrance. When his sons were younger, Gardner loved taking his family on road trips. They traveled numerous times to Disney World in Florida. He enjoyed coaching and attending all of his sons’ Pop Warner football and Little League baseball games. His favorite pastime was watching countless hours of TV, especially old Westerns as well as spending time with their dog, Creed. He was a Dallas Cowboys fan and he loved the Golden State Warriors basketball team, especially Stephen Curry. However, his pride and joy was his grandson, Terrance, whom he called “Tootie.” They shared a bond like no other and were more like father and son. Gardner leaves life-time memories with his son, Terrance “Tookie” Puckham; daughter, Connie Cooper; brother, Eugene B. Puckham; sister-in-law, Armelia Puckham; grandsons; Terrance Gomez (Marina) and Zakai Johnson-Puckham; granddaughters, Dena Milton, Ty’asia Milton, and Zeniah Johnson-Puckham; nephews, Vincent Puckham (Annetra) , Victor Puckham (Iris) , Jeffrey Puckham, Forrest Puckham (Verdine), and Anton Puckham; nieces, Angela Hammond, Tamar Williams (John), Anna Handy (Tyrone), a special person he called niece, Robin Davis; special daughters, Virginia Gomez Robinson and Che’lisa Dockins; a long-time family friend, Sandra Griffin; first cousins, Betty Boyd (Rodney), Judy Manns, and Beverly Richardson. He also leaves a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley Puckham; son, Brendon Puckham; brothers, Robert and Wayne Puckham; sister-in-law, Hattie Puckham; in-laws, Henry and Reba Cooper. Lovingly Submitted, The Family

Gardner Bertell Puckham

December 9, 1934 - April 17, 2019