Richard Dewitt Gardner, Jr., age 88, of Gravel Road, Morehead, Kentucky, formerly of Russell, Kentucky, passed away Monday, April 15, 2013, at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, Kentucky. He was born August 4, 1924, in Ashland, Kentucky, a son of the late Richard Dewitt Gardner, Sr., and Mary Annie Easley Gardner. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Georgene Webb Gardner on October 23, 2010; an infant son, Gilbert Gardner; and one sister, Ruth Withrow. Mr. Gardner is survived by four daughters, Genie Ann Gardner of Carthage, Missouri, Cindy Rowland of Morehead, Kentucky, Mary Turner of Flatwoods, Kentucky, and Beth Patrick of Morehead, Kentucky; one sister, Virginia Ann Gardner of Ashland, Kentucky; one brother, Robert Gardner of Laurinburg, North Carolina; a special niece, Sandy Hunter of Morehead, Kentucky; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. A World War II Army veteran and a former employee of Armco, Mr. Gardner also owned and operated an automotive repair business for many years. He was a published author and poet as well as a skilled dulcimer and fiddle maker. Private graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Burial Park in Ashland with Bro. Tim Rhodes officiating. Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to one's favorite charity. Visitation: Thursday, April 18, 2013, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Northcutt & Son Funeral: Private graveside service Interment: Rose HIll Burial Park, Ashland, KY