In Loving
Memory

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

Visitation

Location

Salem Baptist Church

Date

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Time

2:00 PM

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Funeral Service

Location

Salem Baptist Church

Date

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Time

3:00 PM

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Reception

Location

Salem Baptist Church

Date

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Time

4:00 PM

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