Garland Wilmer

Published in The News & Advance on 4/9/2008.

Garland Graydon "Grady" Wilmer Garland Graydon Wilmer, 89, of Lynchburg died Tuesday, April 8, 2008. He was the loving husband of the late Edith Everett Gardner Wilmer for 42 years.

Grady was born August 8, 1918 in Amherst County, VA and was the last surviving member of a family of ten children born to John Thomas and Fannie Estelle Rogers Wilmer.

Grady was retired from the United States Postal Service with 31 years of service, was a longtime member of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon and elder.

He served his country in the United States Marine Corp in WW-II and was a charter member of the commissioning of the U.S.S. Ticonderoga in 1944-1945.

He enjoyed sports and played professional baseball (minor league) in Lynchburg. He also coached Little League at Miller Park for 22 years in Babe Ruth, Colt and Dixie Leagues, and was a member of the Sertoma Club.

Grady was a loving and devoted father to his beloved son, Everett Darrell "Butch" Wilmer, who survives him. Also cherishing his memory are two stepsons, Harris C. Gardner, Jr. and wife, Rhonda of Bedford, Robert W. Gardner and wife, Ann of Lynchburg. Grady was grandfather to Kelly A. Gardner, Ashley L. Gardner, Jason W. Gardner, Troy A. Gardner and wife, Wendy all of Lynchburg, Katie Gardner, Will Gardner, Joseph Gardner, Molly Gardner all of Bedford. He was great-grandfather to Matt Lowe of Goode, VA, Nathaniel Gardner, Kaitlyn Gardner and Christina Hall of Lynchburg; two sister-in-laws, Frances Wilmer of Lynchburg and Hillie Wilmer of Buena Vista; a brother-in-law, Harold Everett and wife, Mary of Richmond; three nephews, Jerry Wilmer and Vernon Wilmer of Lynchburg, Lewis Gilbert and wife, Phyllis of Stuarts Draft; niece, Boots Williams and husband, Ronnie of Concord, NC; and many other nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2008 at Spring Hill Cemetery by Rev. Luke E. Farwell with military honors provided by American Legion Post 16.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. immediately following the graveside service at Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church. The family will receive relatives and friends at the home of Robert and Ann Gardner, 1027 Morey Place, Lynchburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Lynchburg Sheltered Industries, American Cancer Society, or Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church. Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 Graves Mill Rd. (434) 239-2405 is assisting his family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.