Wilbur Allen Garner, age 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18th, with family by his side.
He was born on October 13,1932 in Weldon, NC to Clifton and Burla Warren Garner who preceded him in death.
Wilbur is also preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Shirley R. Garner, his brother Clifton R. “Doodie” Garner, sister Hazel “Polly” (Bobby) Hastings and brother-in-law Carlton “Pete” Nethercutt.
Wilbur attended Weldon High School where he loved playing baseball and rumor has it he was quite good and even went on to play semi-pro ball before being drafted into the United States Army.
He rose to the rank of Corporal and attributes his love of cooking to time spent working in the Army mess hall.
Upon returning from military duty, he continued farming and in 1955 he joined Royal White Hart Masonic Lodge #2 in Halifax which became a lifelong passion.
He was the former District Deputy Grand Master and was also proud to have held the position of Lodge Secretary for 42 years, serving until his health made it no longer possible.
Wilbur was first and foremost a farmer, though he also Managed Cotton Growers Warehouse in Weldon for many years.
After warehousing and farming, he began working with his brother at Garner Landscaping until 2017 when he retired at age 84. A true testimony to the strong work ethic of his generation!
Wilbur has been a member of Smith Methodist Church since 1943, making him the oldest member before his passing.
He also occasionally attended Pleasant Hill Baptist with his friend, Becky Lassiter.
For those who knew him, you will remember he never met a stranger, was always willing to lend a helping hand, enjoyed sporting a handsome tie; and of course, discussing anything Yankee baseball and/or grandchildren related!
Wilbur is survived by children, Brad Phillips and wife Kenna of Swansboro, NC, Debbie Peel and husband Collin of Emerald Isle, NC, and Belinda Davis of Roanoke Rapids, NC. 10 grandchildren, Matt (Karlla) Phillips of Raleigh, NC, Megan Farmer of Wilson, NC, Kendra (Joshua) Longworth of Maryville, TN, Tonya (Ashley) Forrest of Morehead City, NC, Sarah (Kolby) Hanley of Alpharetta, GA, Rett Peel (fiancé Christy Santacana) of Raleigh, NC, Cameron (Taylor) Peel of Roanoke, VA, Zach Davis of Denver, CO, Ann-Windsor Davis (fiancé William Bott) of Cape Charles, VA, DJ Taylor of Roanoke Rapids, NC; along with 9 great-grandchildren and his brother James “Jimmy” (Peggy) Garner and Sister, Margie Nethercutt both of Roanoke Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Jean Cobb officiating, interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery with a flag presentation and Masonic Rites to be performed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St, Oxford, NC 27565 or Smith Methodist Church, 1215 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.