Florence, SC Barry Gardner, 46, of Florence, SC, passed away with mind at peace and body at rest, at McLeod Regional Medical Center on May 5, 2014. He was born in Florence on March 24, 1968, to Ernest and Barbara Gardner. He graduated from South Florence High School and attended Francis Marion University. Barry was struck down in the prime of a promising life with a terrible illness at 20 years of age, an illness that he fought throughout his short life. He was a kind and loving soul who was loved by all, especially his mother and older brother, Eric, and his puppy dogs, Rascal and Boo. Barry is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Eugene Gardner. Surviving are his mother, Barbara Gardner, a brother, Eric Gardner, both of Florence, and a cousin, Miriam Floyd of Effingham. "My brother fought the good fight and was a much stronger and braver person than I could ever hope to be. He was the love of my life ever since he arrived at home from the hospital when I was 9 years old. Near the end, Barry could not speak, but wrote these words to me". "Eric, I love you, but it's time for you to let me go. I'm glad we got along so well". My mother and I would like to thank everyone at McLeod Regional and Commander Nursing Center for the care, support and love they gave Barry during the last year of his life. We also wish to express our undying gratitude to Dr. Gilliam Skinner for sticking by Barry for the last 26 years, when others gave up on him. I hope that if there is a life after this one, that God will grant me the honor and privilege of being Barry's brother in another time and another place. I love you always....Eric. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 PM on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Cain Funeral Home.