Joe Ray Garner

  Joe Ray Garner, 91, died on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Aline Garner; and his sister, Mary Garner Wylie.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Graham Garner; his brothers, James “Bud” Garner and Robert Neal Garner (and his wife Evelyn); his daughter, Shirley Garner Bickley and her husband Don; his son, John Ray Garner and his wife Emiko; his son, Neal Fischer Garner and his wife Debbie; his daughter, Martha Garner Tucker and her husband Mark; his grandchildren, William Lewis Yuille IV (Angela), Julia Bickley Higgins (Tony), Aoi Garner Horn (Sean), Micah Graham Garner, Nina Elizabeth Garner (Chaz), Hannah Theresa Garner, Nathan Bryant Garner, Mary Rachel Tucker, and Benjamin Neal Tucker; his great-grandchildren, William Joseph Yuille and Charlie Elizabeth Straney, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Garner was a Methodist. He enjoyed fishing, electronics, grilling, cooking, music, joke telling, and Braves baseball. He served as a Boy Scout leader (Troop 205, Florence, AL) and achieved Eagle Scout in his youth. He graduated from Coffee High School and then served in the United States Army (Combat Engineer), stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with a rank of Sergeant, 1950-1952. He worked for many years at Florence Hospital as the Director of Plant Operations.

The family would like to express great appreciation to Paula Wilson, his care giver, as well as to Dr. Wayne Stanley (and his staff) of Florence. Dr. Stanley was like a friend to him for many years, and also to Dr. Robert Bailey and the many doctors and nurses on the 4th floor of North Alabama Medical Center for the care given to him. Thanks also goes to The Summit Rehab at Mitchell Hollingsworth,  Senior Living and Cypress Cove Care and Rehab Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.

A private graveside memorial service will be held at Florence Cemetery with Elkins Funeral Home assisting the family at a later date.