John Robert Garner, III, 82, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at The Lakeside at Amelia in Fernandina Beach. John was born on September 19, 1941 in Jacksonville, FL—where his father was stationed for active naval duty—to the late John Robert Garner, Jr. and the late Nina Laura Hardin Garner.
The eldest of three children, John was a young child when the family moved to the Atlanta, GA area. John attended Southwest High School, where he played clarinet in the school band. After his graduation in 1959, he enrolled in the Georgia Institute of Technology (GaTech), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. John later passed the licensing examination and qualified as a professional civil engineer.
After graduation from college, John built houses and served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He then went to work for the federal government, during which time he and his family spent four years in Saudi Arabia, where John worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at King Khalid Military Center. After returning to the States, John worked for the U.S. Navy at Trident Submarine Base in St. Mary’s, GA until his retirement.

John was a congenial soul and never met a stranger. He was witty and loved to make people laugh. He also loved playing bridge, competing in bridge tournaments, studying biblical archaeology, and watching Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football. He was a proud Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech. But John’s most treasured pride and joy was his children and grandchildren. John’s bright, fun, positive, and loving personality will be missed immensely.
John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his ex-wife Judy Burns Garner (with whom he remained friends); a brother, Richard Garner; a sister, Ann Garner; a son, Robert Garner (Kavita); a daughter, Gail Garner Weinstein; and six grandchildren: Christian, Preston, Sarina, Layla, Blake, and Grace; and nephews and nieces.

A private funeral service will be held in Fernandina Beach for family and close friends, followed by a private graveside service held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cochran, GA, in the family plot.
Rather than flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Lakeside at Amelia, 649 Amelia Island Parkway, Fernandina Beach, FL, or to Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL.