Gary R Garner

Gary R. Garner, age 64, died surrounded by those he loved on the morning of March 21, 2018. He is adored by his high school sweetheart and bride of 44 years, Rebecca (Becky). Family was of utmost importance to Gary. He relished spending time with his two children: Keith (Jeni) Garner and Sarah (Jan) Bartos; his three grandchildren, Drew Garner, Kirk Bartos, and Annie Bartos; his parents, Dot and Ken Garner; his three siblings, Rita (Randy) Jackson, Ricky Garner, and the late David Garner. Gary was a licensed mortician who managed Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport. He was known for his compassion to families in their time of grief. Gary had always felt a draw from God to spread his message of hope and he did just that in the business world of the funeral home. Gary Garner was an ordained priest in the Anglican Church. He lived his life to serve God and relished the time he spent in the ministry. Part of his heart will always remain with the people of St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Andalusia, Alabama, and Christ Church in Mobile, Alabama. Gary also attended school at St. Stephan’s University in New Brunswick, Canada, where he was completing course work for a Master’s degree in Ancient Church History. Gary was proud to serve in the US Navy. Gary struggled with serious health issues through most of this adult life. However, he was a living example of faith and resilience. Belief in God and care for others shone through him. Gary strived to connect on a personal level with everyone he met. He left you feeling richer than you were before. He has left a void in the lives of everyone he touched. Gary was quick witted and always ready with a joke even when he was feeling at his worst. He smiled with his entire body. His favorite people to joke with were his grandchildren who called him Papa. Papa would be sure to introduce them to everyone he had the slightest contact with. His pride for all of his grandchildren will never be matched. He always introduced his Annie by saying, “Out of all of my granddaughters, Annie is my favorite.” He would follow that up with a wink towards her. Gary had a way to make each person he met feel needed, important, special and loved. Please join us for a service to remember his remarkable life officiated by Father Ken Aycock on Sunday, March 25, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport at 5:00 P.M. where friends may visit beginning at 4:00 p.m. Communion will be served. Kate Sawyer and Trae Spears will be singing and playing piano for the service. The Committal Service officiated by Rev. Norman Bagby will be held Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Saint Michael Anglian Church, 402 South Three North Street, Andalusia, Al 36420 in Gary's name.