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NEWSOMS – Edward Lansdowne “Chief” Gardner, 84, passed away May 5, 2024 in his home with his family by his side. Born in Marion, Virginia, he was a son of the late Lansdowne Young Gardner and Nana Lou Shugart Gardner. He was also predeceased by a brother, Joseph Gardner.

Ed was a graduate of Virginia Tech and earned his Master’s Degree from Virginia State University. When Paul D. Camp Community College opened in 1971, Ed started the Welding Department and ran that department until his retirement in 1999. Affectionately known as “Chief” to his students, he was a mentor to many. Ed taught eight years of high school in Bedford County and Nansemond County prior to coming to Paul D. Camp Community College.

He was a member of Newsoms United Methodist Church and a member of Meherrin Valley Hunt Club. Ed was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was also a voracious reader throughout his life.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Patricia Stallard Gardner; a daughter, Robin Carol Gardner; a son, Buckley Lansdowne Gardner (Eleanor); two sisters, Margaret Hallau (Hal Pease) and Julia Ventimiglia (Phil); a brother, Jack Gardner (Janet Mayfield); two grandchildren, Andrew Lansdowne Gardner and Rachel Megan Gardner; a sister-in-law, Carol Shortridge (Frank); and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 10 in Wright Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Baugham and Pastor Darwin Edwards officiating. Burial will follow in Hollywood Cemetery in Newsoms. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday in the funeral home and suggests that memorial donations be made to Newsoms United Methodist Church or Franklin Cooperative Ministries.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org