Sandhills_Sentinel

Verner Cornelison Garner, 88, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 29, 2018 after a long illness.

Born on December 2, 1929 to the late Adam and Charity Garner in Pinehurst, he was a native of Moore County his entire life. Mr. Garner worked at Aberdeen Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Mid South Vending for 40 years as a route truck driver. In this capacity, he delivered drinks and supplies to many shops and businesses in Moore County, and he befriended many people in the process. He was a simple man, who enjoyed the little things in life: a cold Coca-Cola on a hot day, grilled hot dogs with all the trimmings, the companionship of a beloved dog, the WRAL-TV 5 evening news, quality time with family and friends, and soft-serve ice cream. He was a hard worker, whether it was on the job, or working outside in the yard or the garden. Although he disliked having to remain on oxygen for the last few months of his life, he didn’t let being hooked to an oxygen tank deter him from living. He
continued to go to church, to run errands, and to enjoy life. He remained strong in his faith and was active until the very end. He will be remembered for his deep laugh, his friendliness, his genuineness, and his love for his family.

He was pre-deceased by his wife of sixty-six years, Velma Maness Garner, and by his siblings Richard Garner, Lanie Garner, and Evelyn Garrison. 

He is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Smith (Allen) of Aberdeen, and Susan Beard (George) of Fayetteville; four grandchildren – Justin Smith of Chantilly, Virginia; Josh Smith of Aberdeen; Kelsey Smith of Asheboro, and Mandy Beard of Fayetteville; two great grandsons – Carson Kennedy of Santa Rosa, California and Ricky Smith of Aberdeen; one sister, Janice Shue of Aberdeen; one sister-in-law, Clara Kennedy (Danny) of High Falls; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, November 1 at First Baptist Church of Aberdeen from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., with the service immediately following. Interment will be at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Southern Pines.

The family is very grateful for the guidance, care, and support of the nurses and the social workers at First Health Hospice Care. Although it is difficult to let go of a loved one, their reassurance and their counsel was invaluable.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to First Health Hospice Care at 150 Applecross Rd., Pinehurst, NC, and to the Pinetree Animal Hospital “Good Samaritan Fund” at 2352 NC Hwy 5, Aberdeen, North Carolina, 28315.

Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

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