Allen Jay Gardner Allen Jay Gardner, age 65 , of Lake Wales, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 17, 2022, in Tampa, Florida surrounded by his wife and friends. He was born in Johnson County, Indiana on November 5th, 1956 to Malcolm "Mike" Gardner and Rosamary Bailey Gardner, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Vonda Dees Gardner of Lake Wales, Florida, who was the love of his life. He is also survived by his brother Gordon Gardner (Theresa) of Traskwood, Arkansas, nieces, Deborah Gardner Howell (Jim) of Alexander, Arkansas and Katherine Gardner Little of Traskwood, Arkansas, brother- in -law, William Dees (Brenda) of Blairsville, Georgia, nephews by choice, Derek, Landon, and Casey Beaty, as well as 11 great nieces and nephews, and many family friends. Allen could be described as an antiquarian as he had a great fondness for antiques and deep knowledge of items from the past. He was employed by the Lake Wales Care Center, as Antiques and Oddities Coordinator. Many in the community attended the monthly A & O sales and enjoyed talking with him about the historical significance of the items he had gathered, and the trends of yesteryear. Through out his life he had worked as a dry cleaner, and in retail sales, but his passion was always in antiquities, especially primitive antiques. A celebration of life service will be held at Lone Oak Baptist Church, 3505 W. Lone Oak Rd, Plant City, Florida, 33567 on Saturday morning, August 6th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to his home address in Lake Wales, Florida