Michael Charles Garner's Obituary
Michael Charles Garner, 72, of Lakeland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024. He was born on December 22, 1951, in Memphis, Tennessee to the late James and Peggy Garner.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Garner, and their children: Michelle Miller (Tom), Peggy Alexander (Murray), Christa Garner, Morgan Smith (Mike), and Meghan Thompson (Chris). He is also survived by his sister Catherine Taylor (James), 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by Rhonda's parents, Ron and Pat Floyd.
Michael, known to his friends and family as Mike, proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Flight Engineer. He began his service in 1971 at Eglin Airforce Base in Florida and was later stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California until his retirement as Technical Sergeant in 1991. Mike's dedication and expertise were instrumental in his role as a Flight Engineer on the B52 aircraft.
After retiring from the military, Mike returned to his hometown of Memphis. He worked at Autozone and Lowes before combining his love of motorcycles by joining the team at Bumpus Harley Davidson. Mike and his wife Rhonda were proud members of "Rolling Thunder," an organization that increases awareness for Prisoners of War and Missing in Action and support of other veteran organizations. Mike cherished the camaraderie he shared with his fellow veterans, motorcycle enthusiasts and barbecue buddies.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at a memorial service at a later date at West Tennessee State Veteran's Cemetery on Forest Hill Irene Road. Mike asked to be cremated and funeral arrangements are being handled by Memorial Park Funeral Home, Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a veterans' charity in Mike's memory.
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