Joseph “Joe” Shugart Gardner, 68, of Jacksonville, AL, formerly of Bedford, VA passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston. Mr. Gardner is preceded in death by his parents, L.Y. and Nana Lou Shugart Gardner. Mr. Gardner was a longtime employee of Rubatex. He was a huge Virginia Tech fan, was very active in theater, and loved racing go-carts. His greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include a daughter, Trinda Gardner-Scicli; son, Christopher Gardner (Amber); grandchildren, Cody Windle (Amanda), Christian Windle, Sam Windle, Ryan Calloway (Kwmane), Lauryn Gardner, and Brysyn Gardner; great-grandchildren, Huntley, Paisley, Macie, Alice, Taylen, and Oaklee; sisters, Margaret Hallau (Harold), and Julia Ventimiglia (Philip); brothers, Jack Gardner (Janet), and Edward Gardner (Patricia); and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty High School Wrestling Team, 100 Liberty Minuteman Drive, Bedford, VA 24523; or the Bedford Centra Hospice House, 1025 Turning Point Road, Bedford, VA 24523. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Bedrock Community Church with Philip Biles officiating. Family will receive friends from 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. The church will be doing a livestream from their Facebook page. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford is assisting the family.