MONTY RAY GARDNER

Monty Ray Gardner, of Norton, VA, age 60, departed this life peacefully, ascending to his heavenly home on December 2, 2022, being received into His savior’s loving arms. Monty was born in 1962 in Myrtle Point, Oregon. Monty was a lifelong Christian and was baptized with his daughter Ashton Gardner. Monty was a 1980 graduate of John I. Burton High School and a lifelong Raider. Monty was a former coal miner for Steve Mullins Excavating. Monty was an entrepreneur with local owned businesses, Pro Video.

Monty had a servant’s heart and participated in extinguishing the 1988 Yellowstone fire. Monty always said if he died today, he would die the happiest man in the world because of the love he shared for his four beautiful and caring children.

Everyone who knew Monty was blessed by his wonderful, caring personality. He was loved by so many and had a positive, meaningful impact for those around him; he will be greatly missed. He will always be remembered as a kind, intelligent, caring, loving, generous father, son, brother, and friend which we will all cherish forever. He was charismatic, loved to tell jokes, and always made those around those around him laugh. Monty loved celebrations and gatherings that brought his family and friends together. Monty made everyone feel welcome and truly enjoyed all company, especially time with his best friend Danny Sturgill and late Melanie Sturgill.

Monty was received into heaven by his father James Burl Gardner Sr., brother James Buddy Gardner, sister-in-law Joan Gardner, grandmother Lora E. Jones, grandfather Robert Paul Jones, grandmother Maggie Cain and grandfather Poley Cain.

Monty was a loving, devoted, and faithful father. His legacy lives on through his daughter Ashton Gardner, son Tyler Gardner (Sarah), daughter Kaylee Gardner, and son Brent Gardner. He is also survived by his first grandson Eron Ryder Gardner. He is survived by his mother Charlotte Gardner, sister Ava Culbertson (Steve), sister Teresa Castle (Bill), sister Monica Wilson (Mike), sister and best friend Karen Gardner, sister Lisa Gardner Owens. Monty is also survived by his first true love and the mother of his four children, TeresaGardner Tyson. Monty is survived by special niece Brittni Nixon, special aunt Betty Jones, and spiritual sister Paula Hill-Collins. In addition, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and devoted friends.

The family would like to thank Teresa for everything she did throughout Monty’s life. The family would also like to thank Clay Absher for accompanying Monty on a “once in a lifetime trip” back to Oregon.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7PM, Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Trinity Life Center Church, 9829 Norton Coeburn Road, Coeburn, VA 24230, with Pastor John McCarroll and Dr. Tim Collins officiating. The family will receive friends from 5PM until time of services. Graveside committal services will be held at 11AM, Friday, December 9, 2022, at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Norton, VA. Family and friends are asked to meet at the church by 10AM to prepare to go in procession to the cemetery.

Pallbearers are Tyler Gardner, Brent Gardner, Tra Nixon, Brandon Carter, Michael Wilson, any Clay Absher. Danny Sturgill will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Baker Funeral Home is proud to serve the family of Monty Ray Gardner.