Jerry Lee Garner, was born to his father the late Benjamin W. Garner and his mother the late Opal Grinder Garner on May 17, 1940, in Hohenwald. He spent his childhood surrounded by the beautiful nature of Flat Woods, of which he always kept close to his heart. He attended school in Perry County and would graduate high school in 1958. Mr. Garner would later marry the love of his life Mrs. Kate Tatum Garner in 1963 and the two would begin a family and life together, remaining married until her passing on May 3, 2024.

Mr. Jerry began preaching for various Churches of Christ congregations throughout his over 50 years of ministering, serving many congregations throughout the United States including Virginia, Ohio, Arkansas and his home state of Tennessee. Mr. Garner also spent many years in service to wayward teens as a youth counselor working for Hollis Academy and several other youth facilities. Mr. Jerry possessed a great love for people and touched the hearts and lives of all who knew him. In his leisure time he loved spending time in the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. Still the times he cherished the most were the moments he spent with his family, friends and church family. Mr. Jerry Lee Garner or “Pops” as he was lovingly known by his children and grandchildren passed from this life at his home in Wayne County, on December 23, 2024, at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 6 days.

He is survived by daughter Stephanie Garner Barnett and husband Andee, son Jon Garner all of Waynesboro, grandchildren Katelyn Huff, Brennan Huff and wife Lexington, Britanny Mills and husband Jacob, James Garner, Shon Garner, great-grandchildren Bastion Mills, Kaine Garner, Waylon Garner, Tate Kline and Layla Garner brothers include Jimmy Garner and wife Della of Linden, Roy Garner and wife Margaret of Flat Woods, Joe Garner and wife Edna of Hohenwald, Phillip Garner of Florence, Alabama sisters Helen Brewer and husband Joe of Cypress Inn, Connie Love and husband David of Waynesboro.

In addition to his parents and wife he is preceded in death by his son Michael Garner and his sister Agnes Pendergrass.

Funeral Services were held Saturday December 28, 2024, at the Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation, LLC chapel in Waynesboro, with Josh Taynor officiating.

Burial followed at the North Highland Cemetery in Waynesboro.