Mark Allen Gardner

Mark was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 29, 1959. He was the son of the late Laurence Hamilton Gardner II and Marilyn Greaver Gardner. He grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, and attended St. Anne's-Belfield School. He graduated from Western Albemarle High School and the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Mark began his State Farm Insurance career in fire claims in 1987, and he retired as a claims specialist after 33 years.

An avid golfer, Mark was a member of the Farmington Country Club junior team. He qualified for the World Juniors and was also a member of the Herd. Mark was very passionate about music and SEC football and was a true Gators fan.

Known for his wonderful sense of humor, Mark liked spending time with family and friends. He was most proud of his two sons and cherished his time with them and their friends. Mark had a soft spot for animals, too.

Mark is survived by his brother, Steven Hamilton Gardner of Lynchburg, Virginia; his beloved sons, Laurence Gibson Gardner (Meg) of Macon, GA, and Harrison Lee Gardner (fiancé Julie) of Lynchburg; and their mother, Kim Zimmerman Gardner-Ewell, also of Lynchburg.

Finally, his greatest joy was the birth of his grandson, Harris Gibson Gardner, son of Gibson, born in December 2024.

A reception will be held to celebrate Mark's life on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Farmington Country Club, 1625 Country Club Cir, Charlottesville, VA 22901.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502. Donations may also be made through their website at www.lynchburghumane.org.