State rep passes away at home
By Billy Davis
State Rep. Joe Gardner passed away at his home in the Curtis community Monday morning, possibly from a massive heart attack. He was 68.
He was transported from 11084 Curtis Road to Tri-Lakes Medical Center, said Sheriff Dennis Darby.
Gardner, known for his soft-spoken manner, represented District 11 in the Miss. House of Representatives, which includes portions of Panola and Tate counties.
He was also pastor of Second Concord M.B. Church west of Batesville.
Sheriff Darby said a dispatcher received a 911 call at 9:47 Monday morning.
Gardner spoke at a legislative breakfast in Senatobia earlier in the morning, said state Sen. Steve Hale, who was also in attendance.
“This is heartbreaking news,” said Hale. “How fragile life is and how quickly it can change.”
Tate County Democrat publisher Shirley Trimm also attended the Monday morning legislative event.
“He was fine,” Trimm said of Gardner. “He talked to us about charter schools and updated us about his part in state government.”
Trimm said that Senatobia High School seniors in a government class were also among those who attended.
Look for more information in the Tuesday issue of The Panolian.