G. Bryant Garner, Jr.

To know Bryant Garner in life was to be blessed by his gentleness, generosity, and kindness. To memorialize him in death, at least to the limited extent considered socially acceptable for an obituary, is a Herculean task.

The life of Gaither “Bryant” Garner, Jr. — who was also known as G. Bryant, GBG, JoJo, Dad, and Papa — might best be described as “faithful.” He proudly devoted the entirety of his earthly life to the service of Jesus Christ, but that relationship is by no means the only example of his faithfulness and consistency.

Bryant lived all the days of his life in the state of North Carolina. Born in Raleigh on June 11, 1940, he came of age under the oak trees of his childhood home on Fillmore Street, on the baseball field and basketball court at Raleigh High School (now Needham Broughton, Class of ‘58), and in the halls of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house at Wake Forest University (Class of ’62).

Invariably faithful to his country, Bryant joined the United States Coast Guard in 1962. In spite of his time in the USCG, which included both Active Duty and years in the Reserves, he rarely considered himself a veteran and was never eager to be recognized for his years of sacrifice and service to the United States.

Though his career was not something he tended to brag about, nor did he consider his career his proudest achievement, Bryant’s faithful nature proved especially valuable in the business world.

After graduating from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bryant worked in sales for decades, using his innate business intuition to help grow the companies fortunate enough to employ him. Later, this keen sense of vision led him to be a founding partner in forming Alliance Display and Packaging, a manufacturing business that grew exponentially under his leadership.

In 1966, Bryant married Sandi (Keeys) Garner, the woman he would always describe as his “one and only.” The simple word “faithful” doesn’t seem to do justice to the relationship Bryant and Sandi had, which was forged in fire and endured more than sixty years. Truly partners in all things, Bryant loved Sandi as Christ loved the Church, protecting and providing for her and their beloved children (Grey and Martha) all the days of their lives.

Bryant’s faithfulness extended also to his hobbies, interests, and talents. Blessed with a natural gift and love for music, he could play the piano by ear with ease and grace. The walls of his home often echoed with the melodies of hymns, Christmas carols, and the sound of someone he loved being treated to another beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Bryant was also a devoted sportsman. In his youth, he loved to spend his days outside, bird and duck hunting; in later years, Bryant found both excitement and respite fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway near his home in Hampstead, North Carolina, at the Canadian fishing lodge Brás-Coupe, and off the coast of Naples, Florida. Bryant was drawn to the water more than most, preferring to spend as much free time as possible simply sitting quietly on the dock, deck, or sun porch gazing out over the Intracoastal, especially when in the company of family or friends.

Above all, though, the ways in which Bryant can be described as “faithful” are most noticeable in how he strove to emulate the Lord. From the time he was born, Bryant could frequently be found in a church pew on Sunday mornings (almost always about halfway up on the right, to be specific). He grew up attending Hayes-Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh, was a member and deacon of Salem Baptist Church in Apex for many years, and attended Hampstead Baptist Church in Hampstead, NC. He did not make an outward show of displaying his faith for the sake of recognition; rather, his faithfulness to the Lord was evident in the actions he took, in the words he spoke, and in the humble yet sure way that he went about his daily life. His strong moral code made him just, fair, and rational. He shared his earthly blessings, wisdom, and talents freely. He worked in all things for the good of those he loved, and he was eager to celebrate the goodness in everyone around him.

After several years battling bladder cancer and kidney disease, Bryant passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, September 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gaither Bryant Garner, Sr., and Hattie Mae Bagwell Garner, and his sisters, Betsy Marie Garner and Peggy Garner Britt.

He is survived by his wife, Sandi; his son, Grey Garner (Vanessa) of Nashville, TN; his daughter, Martha Long (Chuck) of Apex, NC; and four grandchildren—Preston and Kaitlyn Long, and Will and Hattie Grey Garner.

Our souls rejoice that Bryant is now singing with the angels, eternally worshipping at the feet of our Heavenly Father. At the same time, we grieve for the loss of his consistent and faithful presence in our earthly lives, and long for the day we will see him again.

In keeping with his humble nature, Bryant requested there not be a formal funeral or memorial service. Instead, the family will receive friends and celebrate his life with a reception in the Fellowship Hall at Salem Baptist Church, 1812 N. Salem St. Apex, NC, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.

A natural leader, Bryant led by serving others and received blessings by giving of his time, talents, and resources.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity and/or organization of your choice.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC, is serving the Garner family.