Funeral services for Mr. Robbie “Rob” Forrester Gardner, III, 55, will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 1st, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Ashley Cheek will officiate and the family will receive friends following the service in the narthex. The family will also receive friends at their home on 205 Loring Dr.
Rob died peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2019. Born in Hartsville, SC on March 6, 1964, he was the son of Lou Stuckey “Der Der” Gardner and the late Jerry L. Gardner. He was the loving husband of Valerie Swarts Gardner and was the perfect loving father of two daughters, Sydney Mason Gardner and Alexandra Nelson Gardner. He was raised in Hartsville, only living away during college, law school and early employment. He returned to Hartsville as soon as possible, marrying his bride there and raising his family in the town and community he loved. Settling near to his mother and father and other close relatives was important to Rob and demonstrated his devotion as a son and family man.
Rob attended Thomas Hart Academy, graduating in 1982, and then graduated from Wofford College in 1986 and law school in 1989. After working several years at Saleeby and Cox in Hartsville, Rob hung his own shingle with lifelong friend, Tony Floyd. After encouraging Tony to follow his heart, Rob continued his solo practice in Hartsville, practicing primarily in family court. Rob was a top-notch mediator and he was the attorney for the Guardian ad Litem program in Darlington County – a program near and dear to his heart as finding the best for children was one of the most important things to him.
After their marriage in 1992, Rob and Valerie settled in Hartsville where they gave birth to two daughters who are the apples of Rob’s eyes. Adopting shelter pup Abigail Roxanne completed his family. Rob rarely missed any activity his girls participated in and took interest in fashion, gymnastics and even dance if they were involved. As an avid sports lover and participant, Rob was always present on the sidelines for his girls – as cheerleader, coach and constant supporter. His pride and love for his daughters are undisputed and the strengths and talents he gave them will keep him alive. Rob affected and influenced many and was loved by even more.
The family appreciates the love and prayers you can share with Valerie, Sydney, Alex, Lou, his Gardner and Stuckey families and all whom he touched.
Memorials may be made to the Darlington County Humane Society, Box 1655, Hartsville, SC 29551; First Presbyterian Church, 213 W. Home Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550; and/or Thomas Hart Academy. 852 Flinns Rd. Hartsville, SC 29550.