PORTSMOUTH - Eugene Gardner, 56, a native of Portsmouth and a longtime resident of San Diego, passed away Oct. 17, 2009, after a long illness. He was born Oct. 7, 1953 to Catherine and Adam Gardner Sr. Eugene was a 1972 graduate of Cradock High School. He was also a United States Marine veteran and welder for the San Diego shipyard. He is survived by his mother, Catherine Gardner; two brothers, Melvin Gardner of Portsmouth and Adam Gardner Jr. of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three sisters, Rebecca Gardner of Brooklyn, N.Y., Marie Chandler of San Diego and Beverly Albert of Lake Charles, La. He was preceded in death by his father, Adam Gardner Sr. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. in The Solid Rock Baptist Church, 1340 Gust Lane, Chesapeake. Condolences can be mailed to 119 Carol Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23701 (c/o Catherine Gardner). Corprew Funeral Home provided the obituary information.