Huntsville, Arkansas - Major Grady "Val" Gardner, USMC (Ret) peacefully passed away Saturday, August 16. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 70 years, Kathleen "Kat" Gardner (Spillars) in 2020.

Grady is survived by his sister Bonita Warren; his daughter and son-in-law Valerie and Glenn Woods; and his son and daughter-in-law Tim and Shelley Gardner. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and three great grandsons.

Grady made a career of the Marine Corps. He enlisted at the age of 17 as a private and had risen to the rank of major when he retired. His career took him all over the world and the US. His medals included World War 2 service, service during the Korean War and two tours of Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a Combat V for demonstrating valor in combat during his second trip to Vietnam.

He will be remembered not only for his service to his country but also for the love he shared with his wife family and friends. He made our world a better place, and he will be profoundly missed.

His ashes will be buried along with his wife's ashes in the Perkins, OK cemetery at a later date.