Roger Gardin

Roger Bergin Gardin, 78, of Signal Mountain, TN passed away peacefully at his home on November 2, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bart, his parents Roy Bergin Gardin and Edith Marie Gardin, and a sister Ann Sparks.

Roger was born September 27, 1945 in Asheville, NC. He spent his childhood in Asheville, graduating from Lee H. Edwards High School in 1963.  Soon after, he joined the marines and served his country proudly for the next few years. Upon his discharge he returned to Asheville and earned a degree in history from the University of North Carolina – Asheville in 1970.

Roger soon married, had two sons, Brad and Bart, and began what would become a life long career at Sears Roebuck & Co. His time there took him to the Atlanta area, spanned 30 years and several positions, ultimately culminating with Manager of Operations. Even though his work took him away frequently, he had many wonderful memories of years spent serving as Scoutmaster of his sons’ boy scout troops and times spent canoeing, camping, and hiking.

Roger retired in 2001, and soon met his wife Carol, and relocated to Signal Mountain, TN where he spent many happy years.  They became very involved with Human Animal Bond In Tennessee (H.A.B.I.T.), a program which sponsors therapy dogs, and loved visiting schools and hospitals all over the Chattanooga area with their beloved golden retriever, Boogie. Roger also enjoyed puttering around in his garden and loved time spent there feeding and welcoming all manner of birds and animals that stopped by to enjoy the peaceful setting he and Carol had created. His favorite were the hummingbirds which came in droves every year.  He loved spending time with his family and friends, most of all his grandchildren, all of whom would say that he could tell a story like no one else. He was an active member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church.

Roger is survived by his wife, Carol Gardin, a son, Brad Gardin (Michelle) of Sugar Hill, Georgia, sisters AbbyGail Thornton (Steve) of Port Orange, FL, Judith Needle of Asheville, NC, and Sherry Johnson of Flat Creek, NC a brother, Thomas Gardin of Asheville, NC, 5 grandchildren, Aubrey Gould, Brett Gardin, Jonah Gardin, Ryder Gardin and Everett Gardin who loved to play lickle stickle with Granddad, his former wife Patsy Gardin, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be an internment at Western Carolina State Veteran Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Humane Society or a charity of your choice.