Gary David Wardell

Gary David Wardell, 74, of Christiansburg passed away on December 27, 2022. He was born on September 7, 1948 to the late Joseph Wardell and Alice Wardell.
Along with his parents he is also preceded in death by his sister, Karen Wardell.
He is survived by his daughters, Susan Isla (Bert), Sarah Wardell (Mark), Sparrow Merritt (Matt); son, Seth Wardell (Amanda); brothers, David Wardell (Lynn), Mark Wardell (Mary), Paul Wardell (Denel); former spouse, Marilyn Wardell; grandson, Hayden Wardell; granddaughter, Corinne Wardell; and his beloved cat Chloe.
As a young man, Gary was projectionist at the historic Avalon Theater in Portland and enjoyed sharing some theater history from the era. This was emblematic of his lasting interest in photography, which resulted in his maintaining a home darkroom for many years.
After graduating high school, he began what would ultimately become more than 10 years of service in the United States Army, mostly in the Signal Corps. During this time, he discovered what became a life-long passion: the field of computer technology.
When he left the Army, he worked as a civilian employee if the Architect of the Capital and the Department if State. After leaving government service, he worked for the Burroughs Corporation, now park of the Unisys. Around 1985 he started his own company, GW Systems, which he managed until his passing.
He lived most of his life in the Washington DC area, where he met and married Marilyn. They were married in the Washington DC Temple in 1976, and went on to raise four kids before parting ways in 1999.
He spent the last 9 years of his life in Christiansburg, VA.
Gary was deeply spiritual person, finding comfort in various traditions throughout his life. He particularly loved nature, and very much enjoyed sitting on his porch under the cypress trees, often with one or more of his cats, He spent his later years struggling with his deteriorating health, while working on various projects and caring for his beloved cats and favorite plants.
Family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society Animal Shelter located at 1183 Flanagan D. Christiansburg, VA in Gary’s name.
The Wardell family would like to thank Dr. Brook and the medical teams at the Salem VA, Dr. Mathis at Tuck Chiropractic in Christiansburg, and Mark and Janine of National Sojourners.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Southwest VA Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will be held following the graveside service at 3:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ Ladder- Day Saints located at 510 Porter Street in Blacksburg, VA.