Gardner Davis Cameron left this world too soon on March 16, 2022. Born on December 29, 2005 to parents who loved him dearly, he touched the hearts and lives of many people during his 16 years of life. Loved ones remember how he lit up a room as he walked in, and how he was a bright light in their lives. He was a larger than life young man who touched so many lives in a short amount of time.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents Marvin & Evelyn Champion, James Gardner Cameron, and Ora Lee Cameron and brother Mitchell Cameron.
Gardner is survived by his mother Teresa Diane Champion, his father David (Dave) Cameron, and his siblings Tristan Champion-Pool, Austin Champion-Pool, Mandy McGarvey, Keith Cameron, Monroe Cameron, and Shane Cameron. Additional family members include Michele (Julian) Rogers (aunt), Bonnie Futch (great aunt), Erika Dance (aunt), Maxcine Logue (aunt), Olene Cameron (aunt), Donnie (Linda) Cameron (uncle), and Rayford (Debbie) Cameron (uncle), and other extended family members.
He is also held in loving memory by his godmother Cindy Carlen, Uncle John and Miss Rita, his “Grandma” at church Mary Evelyn Tucker, his big brother at heart Brandon Kornosky and his many friends in the wider community.
Full of life and questions from a young age, Gardner endeared himself to all those who knew him. This began as a toddler in Old Alabama Town in Montgomery, where his parents owned and operated a coffee shop. Regulars first met Gardner there and grew to love him. In return, Gardner never failed to make their days better with a smile and the sound of his laughter.
By the time he reached his 16th year, Gardner had become active in a number of community and church activities. He worked hard to be the best Scout that he could be as a Life Scout in Troop 307 in Montgomery. For summer camp in 2021, Gardner proudly served as a junior staff member.
Inheriting his parents’ love of music, Gardner put his talent to good use in Elmore County High School’s Maroon Machine band as a baritone player. The Maroon Machine high school band was not his only passion at school. Gardner also served as the chaplain of his 10th grade class, part of the drama club, and as a member of the school’s track and field team. He was recently honored to be named as the Beau for his 10th grade class, considering it to be one of the highlights of his school years.
In the wider community, Gardner offered the ministry of music in church and at other religious gatherings. He also participated with his parents at a number of bluegrass gatherings over the years. Gardner’s deep appreciation for historical reenactments was well known to all who loved him, as was his desire and zest for learning new things and meeting new people.
At the time of his passing, Gardner was working diligently on, and especially proud of a project near and dear to his heart for the Town of Eclectic. The project was related to his pursuit of the honor of Eagle Scout. Many thanks to the Eclectic Police Department, which has pledged to complete the project in Gardner’s memory.
Gardner loved many things in life. He delighted in each of his friends and was there when they needed him. Playing music on the back porch with his father was close to his heart. Gardner loved all kinds of animals, especially his cats Bobo and Harvey, and all the family’s chickens, horse, and dogs. Most of all, he loved to laugh and to make others laugh.
The family will receive friends for visitation Monday, March 21 at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service is set for Tuesday, March 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center, with the Rev. Richard Lucas officiating. Gardner’s burial will be at the Ivy Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery in Autaugaville at 2:00 p.m. under the direction of Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka.
Pallbearers are his dearest friends Willie Cox, Ethan Vetter, Tucker Mulder, Chase Newcom, Tyler Thorn, and his oldest brother Tristan Champion-Pool, and Joshua Alexander.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. V. & the entire Maroon Machine band, Boy Scout Troop 307 (mentors Dr. Jack Payne, Gail and Dale Alexander, Derek Robertson) & Boy Scout Troop 59, Al Bouler and all the participants in the Fort Toulouse and Tallassee reenactments, Gardner’s girlfriend Skylar Dollar, Mike Tatum, Michael Weathers, Mike Bellury and the Rockhill Bluegrass Band, the Henderson Bluegrass Festival family, all Gardner’s picking and grinning buddies, Officers Zack Lyles & Antonio Brown with the Eclectic Police Force, other first responders, and the Elmore County High School track and field team.
The family offers appreciation and special thanks to Amy Curlee & the Elmore County High School Maroon Machine Fan Boosters for the blanket that will drape over the casket, A Beautiful Creation for the gift of the spray, and Jack Wright, Warren & Karen Colley, Frank Williams, and Mary Helen & Tomy Gamble for the beautiful arrangements delivered to the Kowaliga General Store. We are so thankful to Jerry Willis and the City of Wetumpka for the use of the Civic Center, and the Wetumpka Police Department for help with the funeral procession. Thanks are also extended to Ivy Creek United Methodist Church (Gardner’s church home), Senior Pastor Rob Gulledge, Pastor Daren Davis, and Gassett Funeral Home for their kind support during this difficult time.
The family also wishes to thank everyone who has sent texts, Facebook posts and messages, and made phone calls since Gardner’s passing. Thanks are also extended to those who have offered donations for funeral expenses, food, and other forms of support during this difficult time.
In the coming week, a fund in Gardner’s memory will be set up by Teresa Champion to supply fire extinguishers for placement in all local first responder vehicles.