Wendell Garner

Wendell Odell Garner, 73, passed away at his home in Columbus, Ga on December 31, 2024. Born on November 19, 1952, in Selma, Alabama. He was the second born of three children. He attended Opelika High School and was a graduate of Columbus Technical College. He grew up singing Southern Gospel. When he was a teenager, he sang tenor in a Southern Gospel teen group called the Wayligters with his brother Ronnie and a friend.

After serving in the United States Navy from 1974-1980, he took on a few different jobs but settled into being a truck driver from which he retired his CB handle of Dagwood after 38 years. Of all the things he had done in his 73 years of life he was the proudest of being a Veteran of the US Navy. After retiring from trucking, he took to playing trivia games on the computer, fishing, and watching football. He was a man that loved his family and friends deeply! He is going to be missed by all so much.

He is preceded in death by his parents Roy Garner and Betty McConnell and sister Cathy Garner.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 39 years, Gladys Garner; his 3 kids Rachel Cambria, Joey Hagan, Cassie Garner, and grandson James Hagan all from Columbus, Ga. His brother Ronnie (Fay) Garner of Opelika, Alabama. Also, several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Striffler Hamby Mortuary in Coumbus, Ga

Grave side service will be at the Fort Mitchell National Cemetery on January 17, 2024 at 2:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.