William "Bill" Lewis Garner

William “Bill” Lewis Garner, 73, of Mountain View, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Monday, June 21, 2021.  He was born on September 18, 1947, in Atkins, AR.  He spent most of his childhood in Hattieville and was a member of Herpel Missionary Baptist Church.

At the age of seventeen, Bill enlisted into the United States Navy, serving as a radio operator on the U.S.S. Enterprise during both the Vietnam Conflict and the Korean War.

The outdoors was his sanctuary.  He enjoyed deer hunting and was an avid fisherman.  Whether it was on the side of a riverbank or working in the amazing vegetable gardens that he nurtured, he always left feeling recharged.

He spent many years working as a millwright and home builder.  He was a carpenter by trade; however, he was considered a craftsman among artisans.  He was 100% devoted to his work which could easily be seen in every finished product.

He was a family man who never met a stranger. Bill possessed the ability to connect easily with people.  He was kind-hearted and compassionate and would instantly light up around children who he adored.

He is preceded in death by his wife of forty-nine years, Barbara Ann Garner, his parents, William Lewis Garner and Elmeda Meeks Garner, one brother, John Elvin Garner; and one half-sister, Louise Jones.

He leaves behind five children, Michael Johnson (Stephanie) of Lancaster, PA, Raymond Ray Johnson, Jr. (Sherry Marshall) of Pioneer, LA, Latisha “Tess” Edwards (Nathan) of Charlotte, AR, John A. Garner (Samantha) of Kasilof, AK, and Bill Garner, Jr. of Mountain View, AR; one sister, Margaret Kathleen Garner-Bardin of Crossett; one half-brother, Mike Garner of Charlotte, AR; and one step-brother, Lonnie Czak; along with eight grandchildren, Justin Johnson, Kara Belk, Dyrl Johnson, Coty Garner, Ashley Garner, David Garner, Devanie Garner, and Alexis Garner; and seven great-grandchildren, Matthew Garner, Cheyenne Belk, Hunter Belk, Laynie Garner, Mason Garner, Cooper Johnson, and Jase Johnson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 23, at the Community Chapel Baptist Church, 109 Hoss Carter Rd, Crossett, AR, with Rev. Michael Conyers, officiating followed by interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Landel Hamm, Bill Garner, Jr., David Garner, Mike Garner, Nathan Edwards, and John Garner.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 22, at the Community Chapel Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "We Are the 22" Organization (Combating Veteran Suicide)

For those who wish to attend the service remotely, we will be recording the service and will upload the video onto our facebook page at the end of the day.  You can find this video by clicking on the following link:  https://www.facebook.com/MeddersFuneralHome

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