Name: Visitation for Dallas "Dean" Gardner
Start: 2025-04-10T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-04-10T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Morris-Baker Funeral Home

Dallas "Dean" Gardner

April 19, 1949 -

April 3, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Dallas "Dean" Gardner, 75, of Johnson City, Tennessee, will be remembered for his warmth, creativity, and unyielding spirit following his peaceful passing on April 3, 2025, at his home. Born on April 19, 1949, to the late Dallas Dean Gardner and Barbara Lois Smith, Dean cultivated a life rich in experiences and shared moments.

A proud veteran of the Air Force, Dean served with honor in the Philippines and North Carolina, before embarking on a fulfilling career as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Bristol, Tennessee, where he dedicated over 35 years to connecting people and communities. Beyond his professional life, Dean's passion for music was evident as he played in various bands and even collaborated with WQUT and WCYB in the 1970s and at Freedom Hall. He possessed a deep love for art, movies, and books, always eager to engage in spirited conversations, sharing his eclectic knowledge with others.

Dean will forever be cherished by his loving wife, Margaret, their daughters, Deanna and her husband, Jim Long and Leah Gardner; and granddaughter, Greysan Long. His brother, Kevin Smith and his sister, Loretta Hendley and their spouses; cherished nephews, nieces, and numerous cousins; and the Gardner family of Bakersville, North Carolina.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Randy Smith, and his beloved dog, Chester, his boy of 20 years.

The family invites all who knew and loved Dean to celebrate his life during a visitation to celebrate his vibrant spirit and charm. Receiving of friends will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home.

As friends gather to pay their respects and reminisce about the joyful Christmas gatherings at Dean and Margaret's home-which often turned into festive musical events-his life will be celebrated with stories, laughter, and song. Dean's open heart and the joy he spread will not be forgotten, and his influence will continue to resonate in the lives he touched.

In accordance with Dean's wishes, he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. His family encourages all who knew him to come together in remembrance of a truly remarkable man who never met a stranger and left a lasting mark on every life he encountered.

Memories and condolences may be shared via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Gardner family. (423) 282-1521

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Johnson City Press from Apr. 7 to Apr. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Dallas Gardner

Sponsored by Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

3 Entries

Gina Thayer-Coleman

May 15, 2025

Dean was my mother´s mailman in Bristol, Virginia. I first knew him from those days, then during the many years I worked at the Johnson City Public Library-Dean loved books, he was very interesting to talk to about many things. He loved talking about his daughters, and granddaughter, they were the lights of his life. He will be missed.

Kellie Vance

April 28, 2025

Dean was our family's mail carrier for many years, but he was so much more than that to us. Over time, he became a trusted family friend, he'd share stories of his travels and a glass of tea. He'd being our few special packages with funny jokes and we lived him. Ready in Peace and my deepest, heartfelt condolences

Debbie G.

April 9, 2025

He was such a delightful person.
He always had a smile and you felt better after seeing him come by. I worked at the Employme t office where he brought our mail.
I know he will be missed but he jobhere eas done. To his family he is at peace with our heavenly father. May you have good memories of a nice a kind man that brought smiles to people each day.

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