Herbert R. Garner

Smithville — It is with much sadness that the family of Herbert Ray Garner announces his passing on Monday, June 25, 2018, at the age of 92 at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford.

Herbert was born on September 21, 1925, to John and Lottie Williams Garner in Pecan Gap, Texas. As a young boy, his family settled in Monroe County, MS. He attended Wren Schools. He married Laverne Cox Garner on April 8, 1949. Together they were blessed with 4 children.

After serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, Herbert worked various jobs, for he had many skills, but he is best known in the area as a carpenter who could fix or build anything, including homes, which he continued to do until his retirement. Herbert worked with his son, Dennis, for 25 years. He also worked for Gilmore Puckett Lumber Company, Glenn Beacham, and Dick Sanderson Construction. Among other important roles throughout his life, Herbert was a charter member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Amory, MS. There he was a member of the Men’s Club and served with the Board of Trustees.

Herbert was a devout Christian, dedicated husband and father, friend and neighbor, faithful MSU Bulldog fan, and avid traveler. Herbert’s fondest memories were his travels to all 50 states, and he even drove all the way to Alaska. He was delighted to be able to say he had seen every state.

He was proud to say that he resided, worked, and raised his family in Monroe County.

Herbert will forever be remembered by his beloved wife, Laverne Cox Garner, of 69 years; son, Dennis (Martha) Garner; daughter, Patsy (Marty) Lucius; grandson, Brad (Stephanie) Garner; grandson, Chad (Megan) Garner; granddaughter, Heather (Randy) Pannell; grandson, Jeremy Lucius; great-grandchildren, Landen, Raylee Quinn, Ryan, Wren, Addi Mae, and Finn; brother, Wayne Garner; and many nephews, nieces, and family friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lottie Garner; two infant children, Lester Wayne and Lisa Laverne Garner; and brothers, James, Larry, John, Albert, William Frances (Bee), and Harold Garner.


A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, June 28, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Amory, MS, with Reverend Brian Gordon officiating. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will include Herbert’s grandsons and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Crusaders Sunday School Class of St. Andrews, Bill Griffith, Thomas Griffith, and J.B. Markham.

A visitation service in memory of Herbert will be held on Wednesday, June 27, at 5:00-8:00 p.m. at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, MS.

Donations and memorials may be made to St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1123 Legion Drive, Amory, MS 38821, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com