Charles Garner Memorial Program

celebrating
the life of
Friday, May 24, 2024–1:00PM
Greater Bethel AME Church
300 W. Main Street • Kingstree, SC 29556
December 21, 1941 - May 15, 2024

. Charles Theodore Garner was born December 21, 1941, to the late James and
Lola Hawkins Garner in Florence County, South Carolina. Mr. Garner
departed this earthly life on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Kingstree, South Carolina.
In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his siblings: Arthur
Garner, Melvin Garner and Leroy Garner.
At an early age, Charles committed his life to Christ and joined Meadow Prong
Baptist Church in Effingham, SC. Charles graduated from Wilson High School,
Florence, SC in 1961. He then matriculated to South Carolina State College in
Orangeburg, South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, in 1965,
as well as a Master’s Degree.
Charles was extremely dedicated to his community and his church. During the 1960s,
Charles was active in social and civil rights. Charles participated in various marches
and was instrumental in encouraging and assisting others in getting out to vote.
Charles was also a dedicated member of Pi Sigma Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,
Inc. in Williamsburg County where he served as Recording Secretary, Vice President,
and Past President. Charles also served on several committees on the state level of
the Southeastern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He was initiated into this
brotherhood on May 1, 1993.
Charles possessed an undeniable passion for education. Charles began his teaching
career in Williamsburg County in August of 1965. From 1965 to 1969, Charles served
as a Music and Social Studies teacher at The Williamsburg County Training School,
now C.E. Murray Elementary/Middle School. From 1969 to 1983, Charles served
as a Music and Social Studies Teacher at St. Mark Elementary. From 1983 to 1987,
Charles served as a Music and Social Studies Teacher at Kingstree Senior High
School. In July of 1987, Charles was assigned as the Assistant Principal of Kingstree
Junior High School, and later as the school’s principal from 1993 to 1998. Charles
retired from education in 1998, but returned to the classroom to serve as a Music
teacher from 2000 to 2002. After this last stint in education, Charles felt a need to
further serve the communities of Williamsburg County by becoming a member and
later Chairman of the Williamsburg County School District’s Board of Trustees.
Charles led with integrity and compassion.
Charles was an active member of Greater Bethel AME Church where he served
faithfully in many capacities. Charles served as Church School Superintendent,
Church School Teacher, Pastor’s Steward, member of the Senior Choir, the Steward
Board, the Finance Committee, Vacation Bible School Coordinator and assisted with
the Food Bank Ministry where he directed traffic. Most recently, Charles worked as
a greeter at Wal-Mart in Lake City, SC, where he continued to positively impact the
lives of former students, as well as colleagues and anyone who crossed his path.
His dedication to Greater Bethel AME, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and the
community at large will truly be missed by so many.
Charles leaves to cherish his memories: a host of special nieces and nephews; a special
sister-in-law, Milatine Garner, and a host of other relatives and friends.
G

order of service
Rev. Keith Hunter, Presiding
Processional...........................................Clergy, Family, Friends
Greeting........................................... Rev. Dr. Brian L. Williams
Opening Hymn............................. Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior
Prayer.............................................................. Rev. John Taylor
Old Testament: Psalm 46....................... Rev. Dr. Frankie White
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 15: 50-57......... Rev. Keith Hunter
Selection
Reflections (Please limit to 2 to 3 minutes please):
Church........................................................Sis. Dorothy Bufkin
The Effingham Community.......................Elder James Williams
School Board............................................. Dr. Kenneth Burgess
Retired School Teachers Association...... Mr. Leroy Campbell, Jr.
Fraternity...................................................President’s Designee
Resolutions................................... Greater Bethel AME Church
Selection
Words of Comfort............................ Rev. Dr. Brian L. Williams,
Recessional
Final Viewing
At Gravesite
Greenlawn Cemetery – Kingstree, SC
Committal
Benediction
Interment

If He Could Speak
If Mr. Garner could speak, he might would say.
Weep not for me, for, I in death will not stay.
But will rise again on Judgement Day.
Weep not for me even in death as I lay,
Because my soul is in Heaven on this God created day.
If Mr. Garner could speak to all he knew!
They would be family members,
many old, and new friends too.
Some in remembrance, and others mourning just as you.
If Mr. Garner could speak, he might would say!
Thank you for sharing your life,
friendship, and love with me.
You have done all that could be done.
Now I have gone to live with,
“God the Father, and the Son.”
So please do not worry or cry much for me.
For I am with my Heavenly Father,
the one who cares much for me.
And if the “Truth” be told, “There is no better place, I can or
even want to be!”
Pallbearers
PI Chapter Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
– Kingstree
Honorary Pallbearers
Men of Greater Bethel AME Church
Floral Bearers
Delta Tau Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta
Sorority, Inc.
Funeral Arrangements
Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.
106. E. Darlington St.
Florence, SC
Phone: 843-662-3581
Acknowledgements
The family of Charles Garner would like
to extend our deep heartfelt thanks to
everyone who supported us during this
difficult time. Your calls, visits, flowers,
prayers and more have deeply touched us.
May God bless you all.
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