Walter Garner

Walter Edward Garner, 95, of Duncanville, AL passed from this life on July 13, 2026 at DCH Rehabilitation Pavilion. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM at Memory Chapel Funeral Home on Sunday, July 19 with Bro. Bart Latner officiating. Visitation will be held at 12.30 PM prior to the service.

Walter is predeceased by his brother Charles Garner and his parents, Hester and Myrtle Boyd Garner. He is survived by his wife, Nellie Bradley Garner; his daughters, Phylis Grubbs (Bob), Anita Hallman (Randy); grandchildren, Ava Kelley of Searsmont, ME, Allison Walker (Jay) of Jackson, TN, John Walter Grubbs (Meagan) of Marietta, GA, Tiffany Jones (Forest Blakk) of Nashville, TN; 2 Walker and 2 Grubbs great-grandchildren; sisters Bobbie Stone Patton of Gulfport, MS, Ann Mathews of Cottondale, AL; nieces and nephews.

Walter was born on Garner Road in south Tuscaloosa. He professed faith in Christ and was baptized at age 18 at Gilgal Baptist Church where he continued worshipping throughout his life. After serving in the US Army at Ft. Lee, VA during the Korean War, he learned to weld and erect steel and owned Steel Erectors and Rental Company for 40 years. His crane services were used on many buildings in Tuscaloosa and other cities but he was most proud of building the UA Main Library addition, the Denny Stadium additions, airplanes hangers at Warner Robbins GA AFB, and hangers for the Blue Angels in Pensacola, FL. The most unique structure was the wavy steel roof on the Tuskegee University Chapel. His company installed church steeples and high school stadium lights at cost, for only the crane operator’s pay. As a husband, Walter was a loving partner to Nellie for 76 years. These two together accomplished many milestones with their warm personalities, persistent parenting, strong work ethic, devotion to family, and love of God, people, and His church. As a father, he grew into the role. Whether cooking eggs and bacon for breakfast, or steaks on the grill, or understanding cars or appliances, he passed his many skills to his daughters. Hobbies included golf, caring for small pets, 2 horses, and cows.

Pall Bearers: Randy Hallman, Bob Grubbs, Craig Bradley, Chris McGee, Jay Walker, John Grubbs Honorary Pall Bearers: Tom and Kay Ward, Richard and Martha Yawns, Neil and Sherrie Terry, Gerald and Sheila Allen, Gwen Duncan, Doug and Martha Dyer, Ed and Darla Moore, Jean Ford, Geraldine Moore, Ed Golden, Otis Norwood, John Reed, Houston McNeil, Levi McGruder, LaKeisha Jimerson, Sheritta Taylor, Dodretta Hudson, Bobby Jones, Steve Williams, and the members of Gilgal Baptist Church.