Tributes

Richard Jacob Gardner, Jr. joined his savior on March 28, 2023 and is now resting in the arms of Jesus. Richard lived a life marked by his devotion to the Lord, his family, friends, and his desire to help others through animal therapy with his devoted Boykin Spaniel, Bogey. Richard loved life and always faced it with a sense of humor. He amazed those around him with his strength, faith, trust, and courage during his illness. Richard was born February 1, 1947 in Quincy, Florida to Lila Grayson Gardner and Richard Jacob Gardner. He grew up there with his two brothers and his sister. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Valerie Proctor Gardner; his devoted sons, (Trey) Richard Jacob Gardner, III (Lesley), and Chad Proctor Gardner (Kristin); his four loving grandchildren, Grayson, Jake, Hudson, and Leyton. He is, also, survived by his three siblings whom he loved dearly; brothers Charles Gardner (Linda), David Gardner (Noreen); and his sister, Jane Preston (Bob); his many loving nieces and nephews; and his Boykin Spaniel, Wink. Richard cherished Valerie and she was the light of his life. He was so very proud of her, his sons and his daughters-in-law. “Pops” adored his grandchildren. Even throughout his illness, he attended baseball games, football games, dance recitals and cheerleading. His grandchildren were his delight! When talking about his family, Richard always exclaimed what a truly blessed man he was. Richard and his beloved Bogey had a very special bond. The pair were inseparable! Bogey was extremely talented and excelled at Field Trials, setting numerous national records. When Bogey had accomplished all they had set out to do, Richard retired Bogey from field trial work. They continued their work together as an Animal Therapy team, fulfilling Richard’s strong desire to help others. Richard and Bogey impacted the lives of so many. With Richard’s humor and positive attitude, and Bogey’s sweet, intuitive disposition, they became local celebrities. They visited hospitals, rehab centers, and sat with children in courtroom settings; spreading humor, joy and healing wherever they could. In 2018, Bogey and Richard were recognized as Animal Therapy team of the year by Tallahassee Memorial Rehab Center. At the final count, they had made over 1,000 visits. After Richard’s diagnosis, Bogey sat faithfully by Richard’s side as he received his various treatments. Richard loved the outdoors! Golfing, skiing, FSU football, hunting trips, field trials with Bogey and then Wink, tower shoots, and the camaraderie with fellow hunters, topped his list of favorite things. Richard cherished his friendships! His daily gatherings with his lunch buddies provided such fun, laughter, and entertainment. His friends were a constant source of support and encouragement. Richard enjoyed a successful and varied career. After graduating from Quincy High School in 1967, he continued his education at Oxford College of Emory University, then earned his business degree at FSU. Richard was also a member of the Florida National Guard. Initially, banking was his primary business focus, joining Barnett Bank in Jacksonville, Florida. In 1971, he moved back to Tallahassee and became Vice President of Tallahassee Federal; then Vice President of Sun Federal; and by 1977 was President of First Sun Development. At the same time, Richard served his community as Vice Chairman of The Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, The Downtown Improvement Authority, and various civic organizations. In 1991, Richard purchased his first Super Suds Car Wash on Capital Circle. Chad joined Richard in the business and they continued to build and purchase other locations, developing a successful chain of car washes, which, ultimately, received the Small Business of the Year award in 2007. Richard was a father figure to many of his young employees. They all adored him and often sought his counsel when solving their life problems. In 2016, Richard and Chad leased the car wash business and Richard semi-retired. He then put his Real Estate Broker’s license to work, joining Armor Realty, and taking Wink to work with him every day. The family would like to thank Wanda Duhart-Harvey and all of the staff of Big Bend Hospice for their attentive care of Richard and their support of our family. Richard will be lovingly remembered for his love of God, family, and friends; for his quick wit, his sense of humor, his slow southern drawl, his endless stories, and his impish smile. In his honor also, we would like to help make this world a better place. Richard’s many acts of faith, caring, and kindness set an example for so many. If he touched your life with his, we ask that you pay it forward; and when you do, quietly say to yourself: “This is for you, Richard”. A memorial service will be held at Wildwood Church of Tallahassee (100 Ox Bottom Rd.) on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 11:00am with a reception to follow. To see recorded service footage: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Utn0k8pcXRIOB0o7FvpSg In lieu of flowers, Richard would be honored by your donation to any charity of choice. He would also encourage contributions to Big Bend Hospice or the Animal Therapy Program founded by Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare to serve Big Bend Hospice. To donate: www.tmh.org/tmh-foundation/donate with gift designation to Animal Therapy Department. Rocky Bevis and Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Richard Jacob Gardner, Jr.

February 1, 1947 - March 28, 2023