George Shackford Gardner, Jr.
1936 - 2025
George Shackford “Shack” Gardner, Jr passed away peacefully on April 30th, 2025 at the home of his daughter, Melanie Fitzgerald, following complications of congestive heart failure.
Born on August 18, 1936, in Roanoke, VA, Shack grew up with a deep sense of duty, resilience, and generosity. He served proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked as an appraiser for many years, including for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he dedicated his career to helping communities grow and thrive.
Shack was a man of action—never one to sit still for long. He was always ready to help family and friends with home projects, offering not just his tools but also his time, skill, and steady presence. He loved woodworking, crossword puzzles, and sudoku, but more than anything, he loved being a grandpa. He found immense joy in cheering on his grandchildren’s academic and athletic achievements, always offering unwavering support and pride.
He is survived by his loving family, daughter Melanie (Gardner) Fitzgerald and husband Travis Fitzgerald, of Clemmons, North Carolina, and daughter Jody (Gardner) Davidyak, and husband Steve Davidyak of Hickory, North Carolina; his beloved grandchildren, Jessica Sain, Brady Davidyak, and Brooks Davidyak; and his siblings, Janet Zeleznock, Betty Taylor, Marti Gardner, and Pat Gardner.
Shack was preceded in death by his cherished wife of over 50 years, Judy Heister Gardner; his parents, George Shackford Gardner, Sr. and Edna Equi Gardner; and his brother, William “Tate” Gardner.
A graveside burial service will be held at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Iowa on July 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate his life and legacy.
Shack’s memory will live on in the hands he helped, the family he loved, and the life he lived with purpose and kindness.