Rick Anthony Gardner, 52

Click here to view Rick Gardner’s Memorial Video

Rick Anthony Gardner, 52, of Orange Park, FL passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022.  Rick was born in New Bedford, MA and moved to the Clay County area 41 years ago.  He attended Bishop Kenney High School.  Rick worked for Chrysler/Dodge for nearly 30 years and most recently worked at Jacksonville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Westside in parts.  He loved all things cars, especially MOPAR muscle cars and the Dodge Challenger.  Rick had a strong interest in geology and made quite the collection with rocks he gathered from everywhere he went.

Rick was laid back and relaxed, and was always up for a good laugh or joke.  He looked forward to spending time with his family and friends (especially at the beach), and cooking on the grill with his son, Brad.  He enjoyed attending sporting events with his daughter, Heather and travelling with his daughter, Erica.   Rick was passionate about rock music and  loved wolves.  He was affectionately called “Grandpa” and “Pepaw” by his grandchildren.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Gurr.  He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Laurie Gardner; one son, Brad Gardner (Caitlin); two daughters, Heather Gardner (Will Watts) and Erica Gardner (Dylan Venis); four grandchildren with one on the way, Lucas Gardner, Logan Gardner, Layla Venis, Amari Watts, and Amaya Diane Watts; his Huskies, Luna and Loki; Diane’s husband, Randy Gurr; as well as many other friends.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 2:30pm in the chapel at Russell Haven of Rest with Mark Mellen officiating.  Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior at 1:30pm.  For those attending, we ask that you incorporate blue in your attire where possible and omit suits please.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Rick’s memory to Big OakWolf Sanctuary, https://bigoakwolfsanctuary.org/donations/.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com