Gary Nicholas Gardner

Gary Nicholas Gardner, age 79 of Burnsville, NC, passed away peacefully at home on July 22, 2022, in Burnsville, NC. He was born on October 22, 1942, in Asheville, NC to the late Glenn Willard Gardner and Julia Byrd Gardner. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death his grandparents, Charles and Hallie Byrd, as well as a brother-in-law, John S. Pully.
Gary lived a very full life. He graduated from Warwick High School and went on to college at UNC Charlotte and East Tennessee State University. He was a resident of Newport News, Virginia, for many years where he was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church. He then went onto Washington D.C. for 30 years where he enjoyed riding his motorcycle any chance he could. Then later settled in Burnsville, NC in 2016. Gary served in the United States Army for two years, and later retired at Amtrak, where he worked on the railroad.
Left to cherish his memory is his sister Carol Pully of Newport News, VA; nephew, Rick Pully (Julie) of Lombard, IL; niece, Debbie Hansin (John) of East Haven, Connecticut; great nephews: Jay Schwenk, and Brendan and Sean Pully; a host of special cousins who Gary was very fond of, and special caregivers and friends, Tracy and Crystal Jones. We want to deeply thank his caretakers Tracy and Crystal and their family for all the love, care, and taking him on many vacations and road trips. Gary loved each one as his extended family.
Funeral services will be held on July 28, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home at 501 East Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714. The family will receive friends and loved ones an hour prior to the service. Reverend Ricky Ray will officiate. MaryAnn Higgins will be leading music on piano. Burial will be held in the Jacks Creek Baptist Church Cemetery following the service where military burial rites will be conducted by Sgt. E.L. Randolph, Chapter #57 of the Disabled American Veterans. Gary's loved ones, who will be serving as pallbearers, will be Tracey Jones, Michael Jones, Rick Pully, Brendan Pully, Gary Atkins, Steve Collins, and Donald McMahan.
"You will always live in our hearts forever, and we will miss you."
Memorial donations can be made to Compassionate Care of Western North Carolina at 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714, or a charity of your choice.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Gardner family.
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