WISE, VA                                                 MARCH 19, 2026

Ryan Keith Gardner, 34, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the Norton Community Hospital after years of health issues.

He attended school at Wise finishing up at the old J.J. Kelly High School.

Before his health turned for the worse, he enjoyed motor bike riding, playing basketball, hunting and he loved golfing. He was an avid Golden State Warriors, University of Tennessee and Pittsburgh Steeler fan. He loved football season and his dog, Roxy.

Ryan is preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard "Yogi" Gardner and Betty Gardner; his great-uncle, Jimmy "Big Yogi" Gardner, who was like a dad to him; his aunt, Pat Fix; and uncle, Bill Keith.

Those left to mourn his death is his father, Tyrone (Tammy) Gardner; mother, Katrina (Johnny) Balthis; uncle, Keith Okeefe and family; great uncles and aunts, Charles (Norma) Gardner, WP (Sue) Gardner, and Bennie (Jewel) Mullins; and a host of cousins and friends.

All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wise County Animal Shelter – P.O. Box 570 Wise, VA 24293. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.