John D. Garner

On May 18, 2014, John D. Garner achieved his final goal when Heaven became his Real Home. He was surrounded by his family as he made his final journey.


Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 12:30 pm in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Ricky Stone and Reverend Robert Nix will officiate. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 from 4 - 6 pm and 7 - 9 pm at the funeral home.


John was born on June 8, 1924 in Murrayville, Georgia to John Gober Garner and Beulah Fay Garner. He was the oldest child and was predeceased by two brothers, Raymond and Lovic Garner.

John is survived by his wife of more than 64 years, Leona Clack Garner. He leaves two daughters and their husbands: Linda and Michael Harris of Roswell and Mae and Nick Martin of Murrayville. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Michelle Suter and husband, Adam of Chalmette, LA; Amanda Lester and husband, Stuart of Roswell; Glenn Martin and wife, Jennifer of Gainesville; Bethany Howard and husband, Tony of Murrayville and Julie Gipson and husband, Hasley of Murrayville. He has a legacy of 11 great-grandchildren. John's surviving siblings are Bonnell Garner Cramer, Charles and Lettie Lee Garner, Edwin and Lois Garner, Lecy Garner Brunson and husband Morris, Gladys Garner Waldrip and husband, Donald, Carl and Wanda Garner and Dan and Cindy Garner. Many loving nieces and nephews and cousins were special to him.

Saved at Sardis Baptist Church, Mr. Garner spent his adult years teaching Sunday School and Bible Study. He was also instrumental in organizing and leading Glee Clubs at Chestatee School and the Yellow Creek Baptist Church Choir. He was the oldest deacon at Yellow Creek and their last World War II veteran. John was drafted into the army and became a tail gunner on a B-17 bomber. Shot down on his first mission, he was a German POW for 11 months and was the last surviving member from his crew.

After military service Mr. Garner entered the education field, serving most of his years as a principal in Hall, Forsyth and Lumpkin County Schools. After retirement, he spent many happy years on his horse farm and attending horse shows. He was a Mason and was the youngest Grand Master in Georgia during his term. He received his 50 year Masonic pin from Chestatee Lodge. John Garner was a multi-talented man. He was a teacher, a leader, a good neighbor and a builder. He built much of his home, his barn and projects including a unique motorized travel trailer in which his family enjoyed trips up the East Coast. His greatest achievement was his ability to build character in his family and students, touching countless lives with his example and his guidance. He was an expert in building Gospel Steps, and is now celebrating with his Heavenly Father, waiting for us to join him.

John's family wishes to thank all the staff at the Oaks of Limestone for their years of excellent care and United Hospice for their compassion in his last days. We also want to thank his friend, Tommy Peeks for his kindness in their time together at Limestone.

Flowers are accepted or you may make donations to the charity of your choice.




Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.