Curtis Clyde Garner

Curtis Clyde Garner of Oakland, TN departed this life on Thursday, February 19th, following a brief illness. 

Curtis Garner was born on October 15, 1937 near Hickory Flats, MS to Clyde Garner and Ernell Gardner Garner. He graduated from Southside High School in Memphis, TN in 1956 and married Barbara Robinette on November 23, 1956. Curtis and Barbara enjoyed a long and happy marriage of almost 70 years and had four children: Gary Garner (Susan Anderson), Glenn Garner (Deceased), Ginger Garner, and Grant Garner (Toni). He is also survived by his sister, Paula Redding (Calvin), six grandchildren—Luke (Darby), Adam (Elizabeth), and Sarah; David; and Benjamin and John), and six great-grandchildren. Curtis was known by many names by his family members: Dad, Sonny, Brother, Uncle Brother, and perhaps his favorite for the past 30+ years—“Poppa”, a name borrowed from his great-grandfather and bestowed on him by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After high school, Curtis had a brief stint in the U.S. Army, then later was employed by Buckeye Cellulose in Memphis for 13 years, eventually becoming an analytical microscopist. During this time he also completed coursework in graphic arts and used his artistic skills both for employment and satisfying his own creativity. Curtis was always open to new careers and working with his hands and eventually followed a calling to become a carpenter in the construction trade. His next endeavor was to acquire ownership of a glass company, which became known as Garner Glass. He operated Garner Glass with his sons Glenn and Grant, and wife Barbara, for many years, before deciding once again to return to the construction industry as a home builder in the Bartlett area. Never one who thought about ‘retirement’, and always wanting to stay active and productive, his final professional career was as an independent kitchen and bath cabinetry installer with his son, Grant, for several Memphis home remodeling firms.

Curtis Garner was a remarkable man of many talents, and also a man of great faith. He regularly studied scriptures and would research passages in the original biblical languages so that he could better understand God’s word. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Services for Mr. Garner will be private.

Lovingly written by the family to honor a life well lived.