Pastor Darrell Newton Garner entered his eternal home in heaven to live forever, with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his heavenly father, the Lord God Almighty, surrounded by his family on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Darrell is survived by his wife Bonnie Whitaker Garner. He was the faithful, self-sacrificing, protective and loving husband of Bonnie. Their marriage of 63 years was a reflection, and example of Ephesians 5:25-33. Darrell was the son of the late Hugh L. Garner and Shula Lewis Garner and grew up on a Farm in Moore County, NC on Vass-Carthage Road.
Darrell was blessed with, loved and loved by three children, Melissa Garner McKenzie and her husband, Douglas McKenzie, Thomas Darrell Garner and his wife, Kelly Cotten Garner and Tammy Garner Trueblood, and her husband Mark Trueblood; 10 grandchildren; Elizabeth McKenzie Baddour, husband Michael, Jessica McKenzie Curlee and husband Paul, Christi Harmon Shaw and husband Eric, Sarah Melissa Cebra and husband Ian, Sawyer Garner, Rachel Trueblood Fann and husband Brandon, Zachary Trueblood, Nathan Trueblood, Noah Trueblood and Courtney Wilson; Nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Darrell is also survived by his Brother Robert E. Garner and wife Bobbie, Sister-in-law Betty Gibbons Garner, cousin Jerry Garner, Sister-in-law Janet Whitaker Frye, Sister-in-law Lucille Whitaker Collins, husband Billy, Sister-in-law Wanda Whitaker Garner, Brother-in-law Russell Whitaker, wife Mary Ruth, Sister-in-law Gail Whitaker Gathagan, husband Gene and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family that loved him very much.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a Brother, Jimmy Garner, wife Nell, Sister Mabel Garner Daniel, husband Bob, Brother Paul Garner, wife Carol, Fred Garner, wife Jean, Sister Irene Garner Douglas, husband Bobby, Sister Alma Garner Seward Sharpe, husbands Alfred, Tom, Brother Larry Garner, Sister Judy Garner Dudley, Brother-in-law Don Garner (Wanda).
Darrell was the Pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Bear Creek NC for 38 years before his retirement in 2024. Previously, he pastored Rainbow Baptist Church for 10 years and Pinecone Baptist Church for two. Darrell treasured his calling to Pastor and put his whole heart into the role, devoutly loving the sheep that The Lord had entrusted to him. The countless number of visits to his flock, wherever they were, for physical health or spiritual needs, only The Lord knows. His church members certainly know in part but they could always count on “Preacher Darrell” to be there. Whether in the church pulpit, visiting in the hospital or home, Pastor Darrell was sharing The Gospel. He was always sensitive to the Holy Spirits’ leading to share the good news of Jesus and His sacrificial death, His burial and resurrection for the redemption of sins for any who would call upon the Name of The Lord to be saved. Our Lord and Savior is glorified by the redeemed souls in Heaven and still here on Earth with whom Pastor Darrell faithfully shared the Gospel and they in turn received that wonderful free gift of salvation. Praise be to God!
Darrell was a man of great work ethic and was Bi-Vocational for many of his years as he served as Pastor, working as a Salesman at Sears in Aberdeen, NC as well as Lowes and Sears in Sanford, NC. Earlier in his career he worked many years at JP Stephens, a carpet manufacturer in Aberdeen, NC.
Darrell was an avid Wolfpack fan and a lover of cars, especially Mopar (Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth) a love that he shared with his long-time best friend Pastor Don Daniel. Darrell and Brother Don shared many good times at car auctions, buying and selling and rarely making a dollar, but they loved it just the same. Darrell loved life and loved to laugh. He had a wonderfully infectious smile and laugh that his family and friends loved and enjoyed. Darrell loved his wife, his family, his church, and his friends, but most importantly, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and he served them all selflessly.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 06, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Cox Funeral Home, 4888 US Hwy 1, Vass, NC 28394.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 17721 NC Hwy 902 Bear Creek, NC 27207. The Burial will follow at Yates-Thagard Baptist Church Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons in memory of Pastor Darrell Garner.
A livestream may be available on youtube at hickorygrovebaptistchurchservice at the time of the funeral Monday.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.
