Dale Gardner

WILLIAMSBURG - Dale Wilson Gardner, 89, died Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at his home in Williamsburg, Va.
He was born in Jacksville, Pa., on Jan. 15, 1919, the third child of Homer L. Gardner and Lorena Wilson Gardner. He moved to New Castle, Pa., at age three and lived there until 1951, when he moved his family to Sharon, Pa.
Dale proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy and fought in the Pacific Theater. He received battle stars for the Philippines Liberation, and Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns.
After the war, he continued his working career with Westinghouse Electric Corporation, where he was a loyal employee for over 40 years. He began work in Sharon, Pa., and then moved to Athens, Ga., in 1957, as part of the plant start-up team. There, he served as the quality assurance manager. He was relocated to the South Boston, Va., plant where he served as manufacturing manager and retired in 1981.
Dale was an avid golfer who, this year, attended his 51st consecutive Masters Tournament. He also enjoyed woodworking and was a devoted Georgia Bulldog fan.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Joanna May Hood. His joys in life were his children, Don Gardner and his wife, Selena, of Gainesville, Ga., and his daughter, Linda Gardner Massie and husband, Gary, of Williamsburg, Va. They blessed him with five grandchildren, Tracey Gardner Kelley and husband, Michael, Scott Wilson Gardner, Erin Massie Hogge and husband, Brad, Dale Maxfield Massie and wife, Cassie, and Caitlin Virginia Massie; and three, soon to be four, great-grandchildren, Allison Ann Kelley, Jacob Homer Kelley, and Madelyn Joanna Hogge. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188.
Nelsen Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. On-line condolences may be registered at www.nelsencares.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.