Ted Gardner Jr.

Born in Richmond, VA he was the youngest of two children, born on May 21, 1940. Ted was a kind soul, easy-going, funny, fun-loving, and outgoing. He developed life-long friendships everywhere he went.

Ted joined the Coast Guard at the young age of 15, where he learned many life skills, selfless service, respect, responsibility and discipline.

At the age of 19, he met and married the love of his life Dianne McGinley Gardner. They went on to start their family with three children at the beginning of their almost 65 years of marriage. Eventually ending up in Texas for 13 years and then back to Washington DC. He retired at the young age of 54 and moved full-time to Lost River, WV where he was renewed and refreshed by the tranquility of the mountains. His last eight years he came to Rockwall, TX to be close to his children.

After the Coast Guard, he started his career with the Department of Justice and Immigration & Naturalization Service in the communications field from which he served 32 years of service. He was passionate about God, the Coast Guard, Country, family, friends, woodworking, and being a member of the Rockwall Makerspace. In the last year, he enjoyed a hobby of 3-D printing, to which many people were blessed with his art.

While living in West Virginia he was noted for his wine-making and all his friends and neighbors became tasters. He also was a member of the American Legion Post 0345. In his younger adult life, he was athletic and enjoyed playing volleyball and Tennis. He also designed and published three genealogy books.

Predeceased by his parents Edwin Lewis “Ted” Gardner, Sr. and Mary Olivia Smith Gardner.

Ted’s memory is cherished by his wife Dianne and his children, Ted III, Timothy, and Dawn Gardner. As a beloved Grandfather he is treasured by his grandchildren, Ted IV, Kyle Gardner, Andrea Mares, Amanda and Jacob Gardner, and many great-grandchildren. He is survived and beloved by his sister, Nancy Gardner Thomas, and his three precious nieces, Wendy Nuzzo, Hunter, and Laura Thomas. Along with his many friends he loved so dearly.

Services to celebrate Ted’s life will be August 16, at 12 PM at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074.

Ted’s life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, the lives he touched, and the love he shared. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will bloom forever in the hearts of those he left behind.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dementia Society of America, Wounded Warrior Project or American Heart Association.