Guy "Bruce" Garner

Guy Bruce Garner, 60, of Winston, GA, passed away on September 23rd, 2024 while on vacation with his beloved wife, Penny Yarbrough Garner, in Port St. Joe, FL. Bruce passed unexpectedly, yet peacefully, while enjoying fishing from his kayak, one of his favorite hobbies. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle. His absence is profoundly grieved by his family and friends.

Bruce was born in East Point, GA, on April 19th, 1964, to William Guy Garner and Betina Cole Garner. The youngest of three siblings, Bruce was one of those rough-and-tumble kind of kids who only had one speed: on. He loved racing dirt bikes, playing sports, and being outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping.

After graduating from Douglas County High School (’82), Bruce received his associate’s degree in tooling planning from Chattahoochee Tech (’84). He then pursued a career as a heavy equipment technician. Over the last 23 years, Bruce dedicated his career to Yancey Bros. Co., where he rose in the ranks from field technician to regional service manager. Bruce took great honor in his professional relationships, and he strove to better the lives and careers of the hundreds of men he worked with.

Bruce met his wife, Penny, at the age of 16 while they both worked a part-time job at NAPA Auto Parts. He was infatuated with her beauty and charm the moment they met. They married on September 10th, 1988, and purchased a small house in Mableton, GA, where they could build a life and family together. Bruce and Penny raised two children, Austin Guy Garner and Caitlin Garner Hobbs. Bruce embodied the qualities of an exemplary father and spouse. He was full of unconditional love, compassion, unending generosity, and an enthusiasm to experience life and its boundless opportunities. Bruce taught his children the importance of living by good Christian values and how to respect and care for the earth and its animals. During this past year, Bruce was very proud to celebrate the wedding of his daughter Caitlin to Joseph Kane Hobbs, to watch his son Austin receive his doctorate from Harvard, and to commemorate his 36th wedding anniversary with his cherished Penny. Bruce also leaves behind his doting Labrador retriever, Ruger.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Penny; his children, Austin and Caitlin; his son-in-law, Kane; and his loving sisters, Pam Emerson (Jim) and Sherry Bishop (Mike), and their families. He is predeceased by his parents, William and Betina.

Funeral services for Bruce will be held at Whitley Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home in Douglasville, GA, on September 28th, 2024. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM. A memorial service will then be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

For those unable to attend the service in person, you may view the Livestream from the online obituary page at www.whitleygarner.com.

The Garner family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time. In place of flowers, we kindly ask you to celebrate Bruce’s life and stewardship of the outdoors by making a donation to the Georgia Wildlife Federation at www.gwf.org

If ordering a floral tribute, please contact our preferred florist for guaranteed service: Frances Florist, 12641 Veterans Memorial Highway Douglasville, GA, (770) 949-8711 or online at https://www.francesflorist.net

Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be entrusted with the services of Mr. Guy Bruce Garner.