Ted H. J. Garner

He was born to Herbert and Minnie Hill Garner in Buffalo, SC. His parents and his only sibling, Blanche Garner Hall, of Snellville, GA, preceded him in death. Ted is survived by his wife, Linda Childress Garner; daughters Toni (Carter) Moore of Indian Trail, NC; Shelli (Jon) Keagle of Atlanta, GA; and four grandsons, Drew and Chase Moore and Matthew and William Keagle; and his adopted family Josie and Allen Mlendough, Al, Bebe and Logan.

Ted graduated from Union High School and North Greenville College. He served in the U.S. Army before graduating from Furman University. He also attended Southern Seminary and Clemson University. Ted was a lifelong learner and ‘smarter than the average bear.’ He retired from a career in information technology at Michelin’s North American headquarters.

Ted was an active Northgate Baptist Church member, serving in countless leadership roles and volunteer positions, from chairman of the deacons to nursery worker. If the church doors were open, he may have been the one to unlock them, or he was most likely there serving in some capacity. Ted was involved in many mission projects over the years. He especially supported three projects: a Vietnamese family relocation in Greenville; a church planting in Beckley, West Virginia (Northgate Baptist of Beckley); and mission trips to Ukraine with Snellville (GA) First Baptist Church. As one of his pastors commented, “He committed to be present whenever I preached, and he was.”

Ted shared God’s love with all and had an especially strong connection with children. He was active in the Christian Learning Center program through Greenville County schools and volunteered with the Good News Clubs until 2020.

Ted was instrumental in helping organize Habitat for Humanity in Greenville County and served on its board. He was a frequent participant in builds and also counseled homeowners. He additionally served at Jimmy Carter Work Projects in many states and in more than 23 countries.

Ted loved adventure and the outdoors. He spent many nights on the Appalachian Trail. He learned to snow ski as an adult and played softball and golf as well. Ted was an avid traveler and was always up for a trip. He set a goal to take a picture of every state capitol and completed that list with his two daughters in June 2022. He was a barbecue aficionado and often combined his love of barbecue and travel to take a ‘swings’ of 60 miles (or even 600 miles) to try out local barbecue restaurants.

Most of all, Ted loved his family and was an amazing example of God’s unconditional love. He was a strong rock and a steadfast source of support. He took joy in spending time with family and friends and will be greatly missed until we see him again.

Jesus said, “ I am the Resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die - ever. John 11:25 HCSB

Services will be held at Northgate Baptist Church (633 Summit Drive, Greenville, SC) on Saturday, June 10, at 1:00 pm. The family will receive friends at the conclusion of the service.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Habitat for Humanity Greenville County

[ https://habitatgreenville.charityproud.org/Donate ] or Northgate Baptist Church Renovation Fund

[ https://www.northgatebaptist.com/online-giving/ ]. Please designate gifts in honor of Ted Garner.

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