Bruce "B.L." "Tap" Lee Gardner, 77, of Corapeake, NC passed away February 9, 2011 in his home surrounded by family. He was born in Nansemond County, VA the son of the late Susie Babb Gardner and James Joshua Gardner. He is predeceased by his wife, Myrtie Brinkley Gardner. He retired as a heavy equipment operator from VDOT and was also a farmer.

B.L. is survived by his step children and their spouses, Willis B. "Sonny" and Betty June Brinkley, Wesley J. "Shorty" Brinkley and Doris Tarkington, Floyd N. and Louise Brinkley, James R. "Heartbeat" and Gloria Brinkley, Jessie L. Brinkley and Catherine Brinkley, Earl D. Brinkley and Patricia Vann, Betty Joe and Joseph A. Harris, John and Cindy Brinkley, W.H. "Bill" Brinkley; 24 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 11 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Monday, February 14, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Cypress Chapel Christian Church Cemetery with Rev. Allen Lancaster officiating. Friends may join the family Sunday afternoon from 3-4 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr., Suffolk, VA for a time of visitation and other times at B.L.'s residence. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.