SP4 William Edward Garner, U.S. Army (Ret.)

SP4 William Edward Garner, U.S. Army (Ret.), 79, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. Born on January 5, 1946, in Monroe County, NC, he was the son of the late Ed Garner and the late Helen Garner. He gained the nickname of “Bobby” at an early age. He would often tell the story of how he received that name as a little boy when he would walk home from school, and all they could see was his blond hair “bobbing” up and down. He lived in NC during his younger years, working in the cotton mill until being drafted into the Army in 1969 during the Vietnam War. It was during his training at Fort Jackson that he met the love of his life, Dorothy “Dottie” Dinkins Garner, and after a brief courtship, they were married on September 17, 1969. He later retired and settled in Columbia, SC. He enjoyed his yard and keeping it pristine, and adored his family. He was a jack of all trades, hardworking, and selfless. He will be remembered as a loving husband, a wonderful father, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Dottie Garner; daughters, Robin (Mike) Phillips, Cherri (Felipe) Cuevas, Kimberly (Raul) Davila, and Samantha Coleman; son, William (Lauren) Garner; grandchildren, Lauren, Ethan, Evan, Emily, Garner, Edward, William, Conner and Bryson; sister, Betty Hester; and several cousins. A visitation service will be held from 10 o’clock until 11 o’clock on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC, 29223, for family and friends to gather. A graveside service will follow the visitation at 12 o’clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC, 29223. Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD, 20871, in loving memory of SP4 William Edward Garner. The family would like to sincerely thank Caris Hospice for their compassionate care and unwavering support during a very difficult time. A special and heartfelt shoutout goes to Erica Jackson, who went above and beyond for both Mom and “Pops.” Your kindness, dedication, and personal touch made all the difference and we are forever grateful. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Tributes

SP4 William Edward Garner, U.S. Army (Ret.)

January 5, 1946 - May 30, 2025