Raymond Pearson Garner, Sr., 86, of the Garner’s Crossroad Community, died Monday, December 9, at his home. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ruby (Pearson) Garner, as well as his wife of forty-five years, Roxie Garris Garner.  He was a lifelong member of Smith United Methodist Church.

Garner graduated from Weldon High in 1951 and attended Louisburg College before being drafted in 1954.  He served in the U. S. Army from 1954 to 1956 during the occupation of Germany after World War II. 

After being discharged from the Army he returned home and his career farming began.  He farmed for 64 years finishing his last crop two weeks ago.  He was known in the agricultural community as a good farmer who took care of his farmland with pride and could be counted on for his honesty and integrity in his dealings with others. 

Garner was also active in the community, serving over 40 years on the Halifax County ASCS (now FSA) committees at both the community and county levels.  Garner worked with others in the community to organize and build Halifax Academy, later serving on the Academy’s first Board of Trustees. 

He is survived by his son, Raymond Pearson Garner, Jr., and wife, Janice; two grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Elizabeth Holland Garner and Raymond Pearson Garner, III; his brother, Edward Carlton Garner and wife, Undine; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 P.M today (Thursday, December 12) at Smith United Methodist Church with Reverend Gregg McGarvey officiating.  Burial followed in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke Rapids, N. C.  The family received friends on Wednesday evening at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Services and other times at the home of his son, Raymond P. Garner, Jr.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Arrangements for Mr. Garner are under the care of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service of Roanoke Rapids, NC.