Franklin – Jesse Dempsey Gardner, Jr., 96, passed away May 7, 2025 in East Pavilion.  Born in Portsmouth and raised in Franklin, he was the son of the late Jesse Dempsey Gardner, Sr. and Annie Turner Gardner Cutchins.  He was also predeceased by his step-father, Harvey Cutchins; sister-in-law, Doris Bulls; and brothers-in-law, Charles Bulls, Ray Haynie, and Lee Tolliver.

Jesse was a graduate of Franklin High School and attended Virginia Tech.  He served in the US Army from 1950-1952 at Camp Pickett, Va and Augsburg, Germany during the Korean War and earned the rank of Corporal.  Jesse was a retired Benefits and Insurance Manager at Union Camp Corporation with 37 years of service.

He was a former member of the Franklin Lions Club and a volunteer at Franklin Cooperative Ministries.  Jesse was a former member of Franklin Baptist Church for 50 years where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.  He was a member of Black Creek Baptist Church since 2001 and served faithfully as a church usher.  He loved his family and enjoyed hunting and fishing as a young man.  Jesse was a big "fan" of VA Tech football and basketball.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 71 years, Anne Bulls Gardner; a daughter, Pamela Grumbles (Mark); two sons, Jesse Gardner, III (Carol) and Mark Gardner (Lisa); eight grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2PM Monday, May 12, 2025 in Black Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Grumbles and Rev. Richard Inman officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in Black Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church and suggests that memorial donations be made to Black Creek Baptist Church.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org