Colonel Willie Donald Garner, Sr. Obituary

Colonel Willie Donald Garner, Sr., 81, of Parrott, GA, died Friday, June 6, 2014 at his home. His funeral service will be at 2 PM on Sunday (Today), June 8, 2014 at Parrott Cemetery with military honors. Pastor Dick Gill will officiate. Colonel Garner was born June 1, 1933 in Carroll County, GA. He was raised and attended school in Rockmart, GA. He dropped out of school and joined the Army on the 18th day of May 1949 at the age of fifteen. He received numerous military and civilian awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (Army), Outstanding Unit Award (Air Force) with one device, Occupation Medal (Japan), National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with (4) devices, United Nations Service Medal, Georgia Commendation Medal, Georgia Olympics ribbon, and several State Defense Force ribbons. Although a high school dropout, he continued his education while serving in the military. This education included Supply Management courses, Officer Courses from OCS up to and including Command and Staff College. He is a graduate of LaSalle Extension University in Business Management, Atlanta Area Technical School in Aviation Maintenance Technology where he earned his license as an Aircraft and Power Plant mechanic, and Flight Ways, Inc. Aviation School where he earned his pilot license in January 1956. Col. Garner is active in his community as a City Council member in his hometown of Parrott, GA. He has been the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) at Dawson Municipal Airport for over 15 years. He is founding Past President of the Dawson Flying Club, Inc., Past President of the Association Georgia Defense Force (TAGSDF). While serving as President of TAGSDF he served on the Board of Directors of the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS). Col. Garner was the Founding Commander of the Brigadier General Philip Cook Camp 704, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Terrell County, GA. He is a member of the Masonic Order of Free Masonry Latham Lodge #12 in Austell, GA. He was a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol. He is a member of the 3rd Infantry Division Association, the 15th Infantry Regiment Association, and the President of the 3rd Quartermaster and 9th Field Artillery Battalion Association. He is a member of the Oak Side Baptist Church in LaGrange, GA. Col. Garner wrote an autobiography called A Patriot. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ella Maude Cooley. Col. Garner is survived by his wife: Ann S. Garner, Parrott; 4 children: Willie Donald Garner, Jr. (Lynn), LaGrange, GA, Rev. Steve Garner (Mona), Warm Springs, GA, Tim Garner (Michelle), Warm Springs, GA, Connie Saturday (Ron), Warm Springs, GA; mother of his children: Helen Cole Garner, Pine Mountain, GA; 2 brothers: Joe Garner, Albany, Paul Dewayne Garner, Cimarron, NM; 9 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a favorite charity.

Colonel Willie Donald Garner, Sr. Obituary

June 1, 1933 - June 4, 2014