Mr. Edward Russell Garner, age 84, of Buchanan, Georgia, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016.  Mr. Garner was born in Haralson County, Georgia, on March 14, 1932.  He was the son of the late Toy R. Garner and the late Josie Bishop Garner.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, J. Marlene Garner of Buchanan; his two sons and daughter-in-laws, Stephen and Terri Garner, Sidney and Lori Garner of Buchanan; his four grandchildren, Alea and her husband, Brett Kent, Grant Garner, Arielle and her husband, Ret Tolleson and Ashton Garner; and four great-grandchildren, Sydney Hannah, Zealand and Eden Kent and Caroline Tolleson.

Mr. Garner served in the United States Navy for 4 years during the Korean Conflict. Following advice he received during what he described as a divine appointment with an officer, he served in the electronics section of the Naval Aviation Division.  He had 3 tours of the Far East on the USS Pine Island.  During this time he was promoted to 2nd Class Petty Officer and developed skills in aviation electronics which prepared him for his career.

Mr. Garner was retired from Lockheed where he was employed for 30 years.  He began on the flight line and worked his way up to a tech rep, and eventually to customer service.  After retiring from Lockheed due to heart issues, he continued to work on his family farm in Buchanan, GA.  He was very active in the Southern Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and chairman of the deacons for many years.  He and his wife, Marlene, ministered to the sick and shut-ins in the community and were members of Tallapoosa East Baptist Church.  He is remembered as an eternal optimist and an encourager.

Visitation will be at Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel in Buchanan, on Friday, April 1, 2016 from 6:00-9:00 PM.  Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 4:00 PM from Tallapoosa East Baptist Church in Buchanan with Rev. Mason Bush and Rev. Herman Parker officiating.  Music will be provided by Linda Carter and Ashton Garner.  Interment will follow at the Garner Family Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pall bearers: Grant Garner, Brett Kent, Ret Tolleson, Roger Pope, John Pope, Tom Pope and Rev. Wendell Fielder.  Rev. Fred Cooke and Rev. John Lemmings will be officiating at the grave side service.

Mr. Garner's remains will be taken to the Church Saturday at 3:00 PM to lie in state until the funeral at 4:00 PM.

You may post an on-line condolence at www.hutchesonsmemorialchapel.com

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is in charge of the arrangements.