Elbert Gray Gardner

Elbert Gray Gardner, affectionately known as Fish, 71, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at his home in Frederick, Maryland.  Born on January 17, 1952, in Little Washington, NC, he was the eldest child of the late Elbert Gardner and Maggie (Whichard) Weeks.  They moved to Washington, DC when he was 3 years old.  He attended DC public schools including Kimball Elementary and Sousa Junior High.

Fish joined the United States Coast Guard in 1972 where he traveled the world and completed Fire Fighting and Damage Control schools.  He also won medals in the National Defense and Antarctic Services.  He was honorably discharged 4 years later due to injuries sustained during his service.

Fish is survived by step-father Willie weeks; his sons, William Huskey (Angie), Elbert Huskey and Edward Huskey; his daughters, Mary Huskey Tyler (Leon), Dionne Chisolm (John), Judy Huskey, Regina Huskey (Gartraile), Sheila Harris (Tony) and Vanessa Huskey.  He is also survived by 27 grand-children and 31 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.  He also leaves behind his siblings: Paulette Roberts, Marilyn Beatty (Ernest), Frankie Weeks (Michelle), Quinton Weeks (Crystal), Michelle Benjamin (Franklin), Sharon Weeks, Antoinette Proctor, Darrell Bracey and Quentin Barrett, as well as a host of nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Gardner as well as siblings: Charlotte Black, David Weeks and Jerome Gardner.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 2 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick.  A funeral service will immediately follow in the chapel of the funeral home at 12:00 pm, Pastor Jimmy Smith will officiate.  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery.  Many thanks to the pallbearers: Manny Huskey, Troy Huskey, Yusuf Huskey, Niam Huskey, Andre Connelley and Lamont (Tony) Gardner.  The repass will be held at B Anderson's Restaurant, 1448 W Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland.