Richard Ray "Rick"

Gardner

Richard Ray “Rick” Gardner, 71, of Itmann, WV, formerly of Oceana, passed away on November 12, 2026 at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, WV, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will forever cherish him. Known to most as Rick, he was born on March 20, 1955, to the late Robert and Gladys Clark Gardner. Rick was previously employed by Cook’s Manufacturing in Jesse, WV, before putting his mechanical skills to work with J&H Trucking. After years of hard work, he retired and made his home in Itmann with the love of his life, Ruthie. In his spare time, Rick enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and taking rides with his brother Mike. In addition to his parents, Rick is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jessie Ruth Hannan Gardner; his sister, Lucille, and brother-in-law, Butch; his parents-in-law, Robert & Billie Hannan; and his son-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Stacy. Rick was many things to many people. He was a husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, grandfather and great grandfather but most of all, he was a friend. He was the kind of man who always came through when someone needed him. He never met a stranger, and if you happened to be a stranger when he started talking to you, chances are you weren’t one by the time he finished. Rick loved joking around, making people smile, and bringing laughter wherever he went. His presence had a way of making people feel welcome, and his kindness will never be forgotten. A father’s love is one of life’s greatest blessings—strong enough to protect, gentle enough to inspire, and powerful enough to last forever. Though his family will miss him more than words can express, the love he gave and the memories he created will live on in their hearts. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Jennifer Mullens of Stone Coal Junction and Lisa Preston and her husband, Alan, of Rhodell; his grandchildren, CJ Stacy (Kiersten Kennedy), Devyn Mullens (Madison Price), Olivia Stacy, Jordyn Mullens, and Brayden Stacy; his great-granddaughter, Jesslynn Mullens, whom he affectionately called “Jessie”; his great-granddaughter, Eliana Price; and his great-grandson, Jordan Price. He is also survived by his siblings, Mike Gardner (Brenda), Janie Price, Linda Short (Ronnie), and James Gardner; his special friends, Danny Green and Tony Cordell; former sons-in-law, Stephen Mullens and Matthew Meadows; along with a host of extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. Rick’s laughter, humor, kindness, and willingness to lend a helping hand will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he may be gone from our sight, he will never be gone from the hearts of those who loved him. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me; Psalm 23:4. In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.