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Life story

"Thomas “Tom” George Gardner, 93 passed away at his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia on May 9, 2023, after several months of declining health.

Tom was born to Albert Leslie Gardner and Helen Marie Gardner (nee Bates) on January 27, 1930 in New Jersey. Tom was the second of three children and was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kristen Gardner and his brother Albert Leslie Gardner, Jr. Tom is survived by his wife of 38 years, Anna (Annie) Maria Gardner; his stepchildren Jim Tarnai, Bob Tarnai, Suzy Linstrom; and sons from his first marriage, Thomas Albert Gardner, and Christopher Lane Hatcher Gardner, 4 nephews, and 2 nieces. In addition, Tom’s blended family also includes 16 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Tom exhibited a love of living and adventure from an early age. As a child Tom had a natural curiosity and would often spend his free time and summers in the outdoors, exploring, canoeing, and adventuring. Tom was a good student at school and attended Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania- a college preparatory boarding school during his teenage years. Upon graduation from Mercersburg in 1948, he was accepted at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA. While at Washington and Lee, Tom was an intramural diving champion, a member of the swim team, a cross country runner, and was involved in various other clubs and activities at the school. He graduated from Washington and Lee in 1952 with a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences.

After graduating from Washington and Lee, Tom joined the Navy where he served as a photographer aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge (CV-33), achieving the rank of Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class. Upon leaving the Navy, Tom worked several different jobs but loved being a schoolteacher the best.

Tom retired in 1995 and moved to Santee, South Carolina with his wife Annie where they lived for 26 years. In October 2021, they moved back to Virginia to be closer to family.

Tom was always a fun person to be around and much loved by his friends and family. He was always ready to lend a hand and lead the way into one adventure or another. Tom loved to travel, and with his wife Annie, visited 25 foreign countries along with 45 U.S. states. In addition to traveling, he also served as a church Elder at Santee Presbyterian Church, Lion’s Club volunteer, member the Friendship Force, Senior Golf club member, and participated in the Senior Olympics.

He enjoyed every aspect of life from the golf course, the tennis court, the swimming lanes, riding a motorcycle, piloting a boat, paddling both a canoe & kayak, photographing wildlife, going to concerts and plays, listening to all types of music (he had a large collection of LPs, CDs, tapes) or just planning his next adventure. He lived life with a smile on his face and had a welcoming handshake for all he met.

Tom will be missed dearly by his wife, his children, grandchildren, and all the friends and extended family he leaves behind.

A memorial service with honors will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on June 09, 2023, at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Tom’s name to: ASPCA memorial link or to the American Red Cross.
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