Charles Gardner Sr.

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University of Tennessee

Charles Gardner Obituary

Charles W. Gardner Sr. VIRGINIA BEACH - On Friday, Aug. 28, at 1:15 a.m., the Lord entered Charles' room, lovingly wrapped him in His arms and took him to His heavenly home and eternal peace. Charles was born April 22, 1926, to Joseph Wesley Gardner and Mary Belle States in Virginia Beach, where his first home was the newly built, Martha Washington Hotel. He graduated in 1943 from Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tenn. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. Later, he attended the University of Tennessee. On Aug. 8, 1950, Charles married Margaret Juanita George, his beloved wife for the remaining 59 years of his life. They were blessed with five children: Charles Jr., Cindy, Wes, Terri and Kathy. He was also blessed with seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Belle Quesenberry, who resides in Virginia Beach and Coral Gables, Fla. Charles' career took him between Dayton, Tenn., and Virginia Beach. In Dayton he owned Dayton Coal and Iron Co. and started a cattle ranch. He and Juanita committed their lives to Christ and settled in Virginia Beach to manage his father's hotel. In 1963 he became its owner/operator and served as president of the Hotel, Motel Association. He built the Washington Club Inn, later Virginia Beach's first Hilton. He retired from the hotel business in 1975. Mr. Gardner's community service to Virginia Beach included terms on the: City Council, Personnel Board, Race Relations Committee, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Board, Virginia Marine Science Museum Board, Crime Task Force, Rotary (lifetime), Mid- Atlantic Teen Challenge Board (chairman). He also served as chairman of the VMI Parents Council. Having always been active in the church and never far from the Bible, he was ordained in 1979, and volunteered many hours counseling in the church and CBN. His love for music made him a regular member of church choirs and the Faithful Men Choir. Charles was very active politically for the Republican Party and Christian Coalition, participating in many prominent campaigns. During his later years he enjoyed global traveling, scuba diving, boating, furniture making and wood burning. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Kempsville Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mid-Atlantic Teen Challenge, 9302 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601, (757) 244-3733.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Sep. 1 to Sep. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Gardner

6 Entries

Linwood Branch

September 10, 2009

Mr. Gardner was one of the kindest men it has been my privilege to know. I share some of his many accomplishments; president of the hotel association, city council, member of various boards and commissions. Charlie gave me my very first political contribution to run for city council; it meant a great deal to me that he had the confidence to contribute to my campaign. One time our boat ran out of gas behind the Gardner home in Linkhorn Bay. My son and I knocked on the door, and Charlie gave us some gas to get home after giving us a tour of his beautiful home, and some of the things he made with his talented hands. He was truly a leader of our community, and my heart goes out to Juanita and the family. May God bless the Gardner family.

Judy Riggs

September 3, 2009

I went to school with Cindy beginning with 1st grade. I have fond memories of Cindy, her Mother, Father, brother and the Martha Washington Hotel. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a fine man. My sincere condolences at this difficult time to the entire family.

Patti Dempsay

September 3, 2009

Cindy,Charles daughter and I went to school together I remember when He opened the Washington Club Inn, I would take Cindy her homework and we would spend hours playing all over the hotel. Charles was a wonderful father and business man, I cherish the times with Cindy and Juanita going to the Cloths Closet with my mother to shop.
May God's light shine on forever and ever. Take comfort in knowing your father is in the best of hands

Love Always,

Patti Walton Dempsay

Rev. Art Patray

September 3, 2009

I pray God's Peace that is beyond all understanding be with the family. My prayers are with you.

Wes Quesenberry

September 3, 2009

Rest in Peace, Uncle Charles.
May God's perpetual light shine upon you.

Julie Lohman

September 1, 2009

Mr. Gardner was a wonderful man. I spent many days at his home with his oldest daughter, Cindy. He was almost a 2nd father to me in my adolescence. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of his family, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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