Mr. William M. Garner's Obituary
William M. Garner was born to the late Joe and Delois Garner on February 2, 1958, in Toomsuba,MS. He lived his life demonstrating I Timothy 5:8- a man committed to taking care of his family. The sixth of eleven children, William was raised in a Christian home where he was taught the Word of God and the importance of integrity, strong character, and operating in excellence. At an early age, he joined the Pentecostal Church of God, and his trust and faith in God remained steadfast throughout his life. Extroverted in nature, William enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, cars, exercising, and making others laugh.' Affectionately known by friends as "Bone," William lived a life full of zeal, humor, and adventure. After high school, William attended Meridian Community College, where he completed the Welding Program and received his certification in the field. After college, William joined his eldest brother, Joseph ''Joe" Garner Jr., in Washington, DC, for work. Later, William returned to Mississippi with aspirations to settle down and build a family. In 1983, he married Linda Stribling, and two girls, Kisha and Laurin, were born into that union. He prided himself on being known as a "Girl Dad." As a dedicated husband and father, William was determined to provide a comfortable life for his family and began his career working for General Motors. In 1997, William relocated his family to Atlanta, Ga, to pursue greater work opportunities with General Motors, where he eventually retired, and educational opportunities for his children. While in Atlanta, he continued to exemplify what a life· lived by faith looks like; he remained committed to building relationships with others wherever he went; never lost his child-like humor. William understood the value of people, laughter, and the impact one person could have on many. On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, William faced the sunset of his days on earth and entered his rest, joining his precious Savior in eternity.
William has left an indelible impact to be remembered by his wife of nearly 40 years, Linda Garner; his children: Kisha Garner and Laurin (Arthur III) McClung; three brothers: Robert Garner, David Garner, and John (Marsha) Garner; six sisters: Josephine Simmons, Betty ( Owen) Cryer, Liz (Eddie Sr.) Michael, Sarah (Jerry) Abernathy, Dorothy (Larry) Ghoston, and Sharon (Michael) Hill; three sisters-in-law: Evelyn (Shirley) Eichelberger, Brenda (John) Burkes, and Shelia Stribling; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends. William was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Delois Garner; his parents-in-law: Sol and Syble Stribling; one brother: Joseph "Joe" Garner Jr.; five brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; one nephew; one niece, and other relatives and friends. William Garner's life demonstrated what living by faith and grace looks like and the ripple effects of his presence on this earth, which will be felt for generations to come.
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