Edward Dallas Garris
Edward Dallas Garris, 81, and Cynthia Fransee Gudger Garris, 75, both of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away only 13 days apart, on October 25 and November 7, 2024, respectively. Married for over 50 years, Ed and Cindy shared a remarkable partnership filled with a deep love for each other, their family, and a life rooted in service, the arts, and the beauty of nature.
Ed was born on January 29, 1943, in Martinsville, Virginia, to Edward Dallas Garris and Mary Louise Garris (nee Welden). He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Virginia but ultimately found his calling as a respected Certified Public Accountant. His passion for numbers and problem-solving made him a trusted advisor to clients and a valued volunteer for various arts and community organizations. Known for his warmth and willingness to help others, Ed found joy in helping friends and neighbors navigate challenges big and small. In his downtime, he loved to nurture his garden, always finding satisfaction in watching plants thrive under his care. Ed's appreciation for nature extended to the rivers of Virginia, where he could often be found paddling alongside Cindy in their signature yellow canoe.
Cynthia Fransee Gudger Garris was born on September 13, 1949, in Dobbs Ferry, New York, to James Roby Gudger and Irene Cornelia Gudger (nee Dobias). Cindy was an innovator and a healer, graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University as an Occupational Therapist. She co-founded the OT Hand Therapy department at UVA and Martha Jefferson Hospitals, and later, when diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, she turned her personal struggle into a breakthrough solution for others by creating Silver Ring Splint Company. With her ingenuity, she designed elegant and functional splints that restored comfort and dignity to countless hands, embodying her belief that medical devices could be beautiful as well as practical. Cindy, like Ed, had a passion for gardening, especially flowers, which filled her life and her surroundings with color and joy.
Together, Ed and Cindy were adventurers at heart. They loved to travel, exploring both the natural world and cultural treasures far and wide, bringing home stories, memories, and inspiration. Their lives were steeped in a deep appreciation for the arts, from theater and music to art galleries, and they were avid supporters of local and regional artistic endeavors. They loved nothing more than to spend evenings sharing lively dinners with friends, savoring good food, laughter, and stimulating conversation. Their journey was one of resilience, creativity, and kindness, each enriching the lives of those around them in their own unique ways.
Ed was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Louise, Martha and Francesca.
Cindy is survived by her sister, Joyce.
Ed and Cindy are survived by their sons, Weldon (Iris) and Jesse (Cara), and their beloved grandchildren, Colton, Luca, Parker, and Raina, who carry forward their legacy of love, curiosity, and compassion. Their lives will be celebrated as lives well lived and deeply loved, their memories a lasting source of inspiration for all who knew them.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 19th, 2025, at 3:00PM, at Unity Church of Charlottesville, 2825 Hydraulic Rd. Charlottesville VA 22901
