Richard J. Gardner
March 18, 1945-June 3, 2022
Richard J Gardner (Rick), age 77, of Maidens, VA was reunited with his Savior on June 3, 2022, after battling Alzheimer’s and was surrounded by his family and friends to the end. Rick was born March 18, 1945 in Portland, ME. He grew up in Syosset, NY and joined the U.S. Navy in 1964. While in the Navy, he came to know Christ as his Lord and Savior through the Navigators Ministry. He moved to Richmond, VA to attend the University of Richmond and got a degree in finance and marketing. He served with the Young Life Ministry where he met the love of his life, Gail Rennie Gardner. They were married for 46 years and have four children and twelve grandchildren.
Rick enjoyed many occupations in his lifetime including banking, sales, plumbing, and water filtration. He ended his career doing what he truly loved; helping many with handyman projects. Through his battle with Alzheimer’s, he never lost his smile, love for people, jokester personality, and most importantly his love for the Lord.
Rick fiercely loved his family and took great pride in making sure their every need was met. He could often be found lending a helping hand to family and friends with a smile and a whistle.
He was a loved member of Salem Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and helped in many ways to support the building of the new church.
He is preceded in death by his mother Grace Meyer Busteed, father Jay Gardner, brother Georgie Busteed, and brother in law Allan Rennie Jr. Survivors include his wife Gail Rennie Gardner, son James Gardner and wife Hillary, daughter Kelly Worthington and husband Dave, son Thomas Gardner and wife Lauren, and daughter Valerie Clay and husband Taylor. He was the proud “Pops” to Grace, Brooks, Jonathan, Isaiah, Emme, Noah, Wren, Nathan, Moriah, Theo, Samuel, and Isaac. He is also survived by his brother Gary Gardner and wife Carol, sisters and brothers in law Carolyn Rennie, Scott and Anita Burner, Ken and Laura Storey, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services will be held at Salem Baptist Church 465 Broad Street, Manakin Sabot, VA 23103 on Sunday June 12, 2022 at 2pm visitation, 3pm service, 4pm reception.
In lieu of flowers donations in Rick’s memory can be made to Salem Baptist Church’s building fund salembaptistchurch.info
Rick was deeply loved and appreciated, and will be sorely missed. His positive attitude and welcoming smile revealed his Christian love for all he came in contact with. Your family and friends look forward to that GREAT reunion we will experience one day. Rest from all your hard work my friend!!
I already miss him and his beautiful personality. He was not just roommate but also a friend and brother in Christ. I loved him and trusted his counsel and perspective on many issues of life. He was always easy to talk business with and had a keen sense of direction
in his life that I looked up to as like an older brother. I know now he beholds the Face of Christ. What a wonderful promise in God that was always evident in many conversations I had with Rick. He walked in the Joy of the Lord. Now he sees his Faith, face to Face. Much love and comfort in the Holy Spirit to Gail and their beautiful family.
Our sympathy to all of Rick’s family on his passing. Every time Rick visited us he brought his joy and positive outlook to share. There seemed nothing he could not do, nor anyone he could not make smile and cheer up. Thanks, Rick for putting love in our hearts for you.
Your cousin, Jon
What a great photo! Always a smile on his face. I bet he is smiling now up in heaven with the Lord. Say hello to my Rick there. Perhaps enjoy a game of dominoes. My sympathy goes out to Gail and all the family. Most will say he is in a better place, and we trust God’s promises; yet your grief will be great. You had a wonderful husband, dad, pop… I’m thankful that we knew him.