Richard Garner Obituary, Death – Richard Carlton Garner, 34, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 3, 2022. He was born on November 2, 1988, in Lexington, Virginia, and grew up with his family in Lynchburg and Stafford County. Richard attended Christchurch School in Urbana, Virginia, where he played golf, sailing, and lacrosse. He was the team’s captain and received the Leadership Award.
Richard developed an appreciation for nature’s beauty and wonders as a child. He used to spend his childhood days with his father exploring the woods and fishing. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout by participating in every activity offered by the Boy Scouts of America. He treasured his time with his father, his fellow Scouts, and their fathers on campouts and at Philmont Scout Ranch. Richard became an avid hunter and fisherman as a child, never losing his love and respect for nature. He frequently stated that he spent his best times with God in a tree stand or on the river.
Richard was known for his outgoing personality, contagious laugh, strong work ethic, and dedication to family, friends, and coworkers. Richard had many wonderful mentors throughout his life, but his mother was the most important. She was a devoted fan and a tireless supporter of him. As a young adult, he excelled at training Labrador retrievers for field trials and hunt tests. He was also a trained and certified professional welder working in the construction industry at the time of his death.
Richard is survived by his parents, Tricia and Bill Garner; his sister Anna Katherine and her two daughters, Jess and Nicole; grandparents Jean and Carlton Garner of Gulf Shores, Alabama; Aunt Allison Jones, Uncle Charlie, and cousin Hope of Tennessee; Aunt Leisha LaRiviere, Uncle Jan, and cousins Stacey, Khaki, and JC of Chesterfield; and a large number of friends and colleagues. His maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard N. Humphreys, died before him.
A celebration of Richard’s earthly and eternal life will be held at the Fredericksburg Country Club on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the Christchurch School’s Waterfront Forever Endowment (49 Seahorse Lane, Christchurch, VA 23031) or The George Washington Foundation (1201 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401).