Raleigh Gregory Garnto

Mr. Raleigh Gregory Garnto, 91, of Maysville, GA was born to Fannie Lou Garnto and William David Garnto in Wrightsville, GA on March 7, 1932.  He passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023 after an extended illness.

A native of Milledgeville, GA, Mr. Garnto graduated from Midway Vocational High School and began a military career in the Georgia Army National Guard in 1948.  In 1951, he joined the United States Air Force, serving in Japan, the Philippines, and several U.S. states.  He had combat tours to Korea and Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, two Air Force Commendation medals and the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation.  Mr. Garnto attended the University of Georgia, Oklahoma State University, and Georgia Military College, then continued his education by achieving many certifications relevant to his career.

As a Senior Master Sergeant, Mr. Garnto retired from the Air Force on August 31, 1979; he later worked as a transportation driver for North American Van Lines and Bayliner Marine Corporation.  A member of Maysville Baptist Church, he enjoyed the Men’s Ministry until declining health.  Prior to moving to Maysville, he was a faithful member of Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta, GA and was very willing to assist with various activities, especially the men’s Wild Game Supper.  In his free time, he enjoyed his grandchildren, traveling with his wife, yardwork, and gardening.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Clyde Garnto and Rodney Hall Garnto; sister, Florence Garnto Hawkins; brothers-in-law, Roger B. Yawn and Roy M. Yawn; and sister-in-law, Hulda Yawn Cook.

Mr. Garnto is survived by his wife of 67 years, Vira Yawn Garnto; brothers, Frank Garnto of Dublin, GA and Wendell (Jan) Garnto of Milledgeville, GA; children, Terrance Lee Garnto, Sr. and Gerald Leon Garnto both of Commerce, GA, Patricia Lynn Schimpf (Happy) of Chattanooga, TN and Robin Denise Parker (Michael) of Gillsville, GA; grandchildren, Terrance Lee Garnto, Jr., Cory Thomas Garnto, Alexis Blair Eacret (Greg) and Ashton Brooke Herndon; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 PM, Saturday, November 18 at Maysville Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Robertson and Dr. Shane Roberson officiating.  Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 5 to 8 PM and Saturday at the church from 1 to 2 PM.

Charitable donations may be made in his honor to Heart of Georgia DDM Ministries, Inc., 238 Hatcher Rd., Warner Robins, GA 31088 or the Maysville Baptist Church Building Fund, 8875 SR-82 Conn, Maysville, GA 30558.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.