Jimmie Donald Garner of Arlington, Arizona passed away after a long battle with dementia on December 3, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona. He was born January 15, 1933 in Dale, Oklahoma to the late Thomas and Gertrude. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Elizabeth Garner, younger sisters Dortha Wills and Patsy Lowe, younger brother Ralph Garner, and his eldest son Tom Garner. Jimmie is survived by his son Chuck Garner, sister Norma Noble, older brother Tom Garner and younger brother David Garner. He is also survived by two grandchildren Carolyn and Carl, three great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.
Jimmie was born in Dale, Oklahoma and moved with his family to Tennessee as a toddler. He worked on the family farm there until the family relocated to Mesa, Arizona when he was 14. After graduating high school, Jimmie joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return from the military, he attended a barber college in downtown Phoenix where met his wife-to-be, Liz, while she was waitressing at Newberry’s. They married in 1955 and moved to Arlington, Arizona where he had a job at El Paso Natural Gas Company. He stayed in that job for 35 years. Together, Jimmie and Elizabeth raised their two boys in Arlington. It was during that time that Jimmie was able to fulfill his passion of breeding and raising Thoroughbred racehorses.
Jimmie had an outgoing personality. For a while, he earned the nick-name of “Mayor of Arlington.” He could and would talk to anyone. He was involved with the Lion’s Club and the local chapter of the Masons. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will begin at 9am on Thursday, December 14 at Thompson Funeral. The memorial service will begin at 10am.
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