Mr. Johnny Gardner has passed away.

Gardner was visible for most of the last 30 years as a pro-life advocate. He could be seen in the high-traffic island between Airport Boulevard and Charleston Highway in Cayce holding a baby doll with a “Stop Abortion Now” sign. His wife Kathy would sometimes accompany him. He would protest abortion on the Gervais Street sidewalk beside the South Carolina Statehouse, too.

He died Wednesday and his funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday (July 24) at Gantt Street Baptist Church 2121 Gantt St. in Cayce. Visitation is at 10 a.m.

“He was a great man,” said Mike Hughes. “We knew each other over 20 years I kept his cars running at my business (Performance Imports.)

Hughes donated services and financially to Garner’s ministry.

“He was a dear friend and I respected him. I hate to see him go,” said Hughes. “He endured profanity and abuse, but it did not stop him. He was not motivated by money, but he was dedicated.”