Gardner, Hilary Cherry

Hilary Cherry Gardner, 89, of Blacksburg, Virginia, passed away Friday, December 26, 2014. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, March 29, 1925, the only child of Hilary Hix Gardner and May Belle Cherry Gardner.

He was an Eagle Scout and a veteran of World War II, having served from 1943 to 1946 in France and Germany with the 100th Infantry Division. He graduated from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, with a degree in business administration followed by graduate work in the field of economics.

On June 7, 1948, he and Margaret Scott Gardner were married. They enjoyed life with each other for more than 66 years. They were able to serve in various capacities with the Methodist Church, to serve in Civic Societies and Social Organizations. and to enjoy one another by sharing leisure activities. They fished, hunted, camped and enjoyed God’s world together. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are Margaret and their two sons, Larry (Holly) and Ralph (Lorene); and their daughter Cherry Pelt (Randy). Also surviving are grandchildren, Hilary Arnaud (Jared), Ralph Jr., Mallory Powell and Lee; and great-grandchildren, Hunter Powell and Avery Arnaud. Graveside services will be private and he will be interred at the Eastview Cemetery in Adairsville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite church or charity.