Jack Wayne Garner, 87, passed away in Fort Worth, TX on September 18, 2018.
The funeral service was held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, TX on September 24, 2018. The Reverend Jarrett Downs of Heritage Baptist Church of Mansfield, TX officiated. Burial was with military honors.
Jack was born in Wister, Oklahoma on August 12, 1931 to John Al Garner, Sr. and Bessie L. (Cox) Garner.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, a graduate of Central State University in Edmond, OK, and a long-time resident of Fort Smith, AR—having called Ft. Smith home for more than 57 years.
His career in Ft. Smith spanned many years and three different pursuits: as an accountant with Douglas Walker, Inc., as vice-president of Kunco, Inc., and finally as an entrepreneur in private tax practice.
Jack never tired of talking of the Lord’s mercy and grace in his life. He trusted the Lord for the forgiveness of his sins, having first heard and believed the gospel as a young man through the preaching of his cousin, Rev. Lee Garner.
Family time spent with his five grandchildren was a favorite pastime for Jack; he embraced the role of “Papaw” with all of his heart—thoroughly enjoying his grandkids as children and taking great pride in their accomplishments as they grew up.
Jack was preceded in death by his father, John Al Garner, Sr.; his mother, Bess L. Garner; and his brother, John Al Garner, Jr.
Jack is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Jimmie; daughter Brenda Richardson and son-in-law Jim Richardson; grandchildren: Katelyn Richardson, Daniel Richardson, Nathan Richardson, Hannah Richardson and Zachary Richardson, all of the Dallas-Ft Worth, TX area; niece Sherry Garner and sister-in-law Dorothy Garner of Wister, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Lenna Bishop of Hurst, TX; nephew Dr. Leigh Bishop and his wife Jody of Houston, TX; niece Beverly Bishop of Houston, TX; and niece Lane Ward and her husband Lee of Marietta, Georgia. He is also survived by several great nieces and nephews, along with many other cherished family members and dear friends.