Dwight Eugene Garner

Dwight was born on October 25th, 1964 in San Francisco, California, to Phillip and Sallye Garner. He was raised in Oakland, California, with his three siblings: Seleathia, Dwayne, and Felipe Garner.

Dwight was an outstanding athlete who shined in several sports as a child. Eventually, he chose to follow his passion for football and dominated the field as a running back throughout his high school and college years. Known by many as the controversial figure whose knee wasn’t down in the historic, “The Play,” that took place during the University of California Berkeley versus Stanford football game on November 20th, 1982, Dwight Garner loved being a member of the Cal Bear community and enthusiastically sported his alma mater after graduating.

However, what Dwight loved the most was his family, and from a young age, he was always a family man. Raised by loving parents in a close-knit household of six, Dwight cherished his childhood and continued to build on the values he grew up with when raising his own family.

Dwight married Vida Garner, his high school sweetheart, on April 18, 1987. Together, they raised four children: Phillip, Gabrielle, Danielle, and David Garner. There aren’t enough words in the world to relay the father that Dwight Garner was. He loved generously and didn’t spare in showing every ounce of passion he had for his family. He was there for every detail of his children’s lives. From births, to birthdays, to athletic games, honor roll ceremonies, field trips, performances, college drop-offs, annual family Disney trips, jiu-jitsu tournaments, and so much more; he was always present and a phone call away. He not only fathered his own children, but was a father figure to young men he mentored as a football coach for the American Youth Football League, and a leader of the men’s ministry in his Christian community at Real Life Church. Dwight loved everyone around him, and continually extended his love and his family to the communities he was a part of.

Most of all, Dwight was a man of faith which will continue to be his most impactful legacy. He brought the same intensity, passion, and enthusiasm he played football with as a ministry leader, and the name he most proudly wore was “man of God.” Known for his infectious smile and laugh that could brighten an entire room, his spirit, his big heart, his love, his faith, his passion, and his presence will truly be missed. He will forever be known as the man with a thunderous passion for God whose faith and love will continue to impact his family, both immediate and extended, for generations.

Dwight’s memorial service will take place at Real Life Church in Coconut Creek, Florida, on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 10:30am. The Garner family invites all to attend and honor the life of Dwight. The family would like to thank Real Life Church and everyone who has expressed their condolences and affection for him and his loved ones.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeercoralsprings.com for the Garner family.