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Edward Lee Gardner, 90, of Lynchburg, Virginia, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 12:25 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021.  He was born in Hudgins, Kentucky on Friday, September 11, 1931, to Virgil Starling and Lora Elma Gardner.  On January 2, 1953, three months after meeting her, he married the love of his life Susie Eleanor Bates.  For just shy of sixty-nine years they have been inseparable faithfully serving their Lord and family.

Ed, also known as Jim, served as a U.S. Navy Corpsman attached to the 2^nd and 3^rd Marine Air Wings during the Korean War from December 7, 1950 until his honorable discharge as a Hospitalman/Physician’s Assistant on October 6, 1954.  He received the Navy Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.  While he had a passion for helping to heal the sick, his greater passion was for helping to heal the souls of men by leading them to the Cross.

Ed graduated from Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville, Florida on May 12, 1969.  In his ministry, Ed started several missions, served as Pastor of churches, and lead revivals in Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Washington, Georgia, and the Isle of Wight.  To everyone he told of the love of Christ, His sacrifice, and forgiveness that is available to anyone that acknowledges they are a sinner and accepts the free gift of salvation.

Ed is survived by his wife Susie Eleanor Bates Gardner, his children, Karen Ann Roberts (Michael), Cherie Lee Pacheco, and Bonnie Jo Coulter (Kevin) and predeceased by his son Darrel Ray Gardner (Linda).  He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Christine Fuqua Lasher (Chris), Machele Fuqua Fallaw (Rick), Kevin Michael Fuqua (Amanda), Jeremy Lee Gardner (Dawn), Michael Ray Gardner, Edward Lee Gardner, Anthony Jason Pacheco (Cristen), Angela Marie Rizer (Justin), Cassie Marie Mills (Scott), fifteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.