Our Beloved Merrill Eugene Gardner, Sr., affectionately known as "Poochie" was born on March 12, 1966, to the late Jeanette O. Beasley and Jimmy Payeton. On May 18, 2026, Merrill received a call from God our Father, of course which he gladly answered. Merrill had two brothers, David and William Jr. who preceded him in death. Merrill was taught the scriptures and gave his life to Christ as a child under the leadership of Pastor Elease Walker, House of God Church. After becoming an adult, he recommitted his life to the Lord. Merrill was raised in Coconut Grove, Florida where he attended Miami Dade County Public Schools. He was employed at Coral Gables Waste Management; The Salvation Army and Carfour Housing. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing basket ball. Later in life, he loved fishing as a past time and watching football. He also enjoyed Word Search Puzzles. Merrill was very fashionable and always well dressed. Merrill loved to eat and his dining partner was his cousin, Benjamin Smart. He was a man of few words, soft spoken, but always left a lasting impression on those he encountered. His smile was very contagious, and his favorite greeting, "What's Up." Merrill will truly be missed, but never forgotten. Merrill leaves to mourn, the love of his life, wife Valerie Bell-Gardner; daughter, Shenise Ashley Gardner, two sons, Omari Collier and Merrill Gardner Jr., grandson Romeo Gardner; step-son, Tyronn Turner, grandson Tyronn Turner, Jr. and granddaughter Ty'liah Turner. Also, among those he leaves to mourn include, sister Cassandra Beasley, and niece, Sandra Diaz; nephews Jay Beasley and Devon Wynn; step-father William Beasley Sr.; step brothers Rodney Beasley and Lyndon Couch; Aunt Betty Norman(Anthony), cousins Herbert Lee; Glenda Stewart(Dwayne); Justina Shuler-Pearce(Samuel); Sister-in-law Tracy Bell; cousin Benjamin Smart(Debbie) and a host of other grieving relatives and friends.