George Ernest

Gardner, Jr.

George Ernest Gardner, Jr. , of N. Chesterfield, was born on December 26, 1946, in Richmond, Virginia to the late George E. Gardner, Sr. and Azalea Johnson Gardner.  He went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2026, where he is undoubtedly hunting, fishing and telling colorful stories.

George was privileged to be raised in the "Real" West End. He rode his bike to visit friends, played in Byrd Park, and worked at a local grocery store and at O.F. Howard (now Joseph Jenkins) Funeral Home.  He attended West End Elementary School, Graves Middle School, and Maggie L. Walker High School.   While at Maggie Walker High School, George was popular and played the trumpet in the Mighty Green Dragon Marching Band, won numerous science fairs, and earned a scholarship to Hampton Institute upon graduating in 1964.

He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1966 where he learned (the hard way!) the self-discipline, determination, and persistence that would pave the way for future academic and professional success.   George earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).   He was a leader in Special Services at VCU and often exclaimed, even after 45+ years, "that was one of my students!" and reflected fondly on how he enjoyed providing minority students with the tools to successfully complete college.

George also worked for the Federal Government as a specialist at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in Washington, DC.   He was a guru and could answer any question or provide any fact (whether you wanted to know or not) about Title IX, land grant colleges, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). George returned to Virginia State Government in 1983 as the Director of Equal Employment Services Department of Human Resource Management.  He had an incredible work ethic (he religiously arrived at the office an hour early everyday looking sharp in his suit), expected excellence from his organization, thoroughly enjoyed his job, loved discussing state politics, and could often be seen in the Monroe Building lobby chatting with the tellers at the Virginia Credit Union or holding court on the overlook deck.

George retired in 2016 after 38 years of State service and earned well-deserved time to enjoy his passions of fishing with friends, hunting with the Wayside Gun Club, and hosting football parties with the Gentlemen of Football.

George was equally driven in his personal life.  When he saw the lovely Helen Coles walking in the rain on Maplewood Avenue in 1968, he pursued her (maybe he told her a colorful story), courted her, asked her father for her hand in marriage, and married the love of his life in 1969.  Her huge family enjoyed him so much at the bid whist parties and cookouts their first question was, "where's George?"!

George was a loving father and had an unmatched talent for advising his children based on their distinct personalities and life stages.  He knew when to listen, give a hug, a firm talking to, or a professional anecdote…or his famous, "take out your legal pad and write the pros and cons" advice.

Most importantly, Geoge loved the Lord, was saved, and attended church at Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries to learn about applying the Word to his daily life.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 56 years, Helen Coles Gardner; son, hunting and fishing companion, George E. Gardner, III; daughters, Terena L. Young, Hope Gardner Price, and Hadyn G. Tapp (Brian); granddaughter, Hailey Monte Price; grandsons,  Brian O'Neal Tapp, II and Braeden George Tapp; aunt, Cleon J. Toombs, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment private.