November 26, 2024, 87, Goldsboro —
Years of faith became sight as William Duncan Garner, Jr., 87, was welcomed to life eternal on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home, Bill closed his eyes to this world and opened them in the presence of his Master, hearing the words, “Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant”. Bill was born in Harnett County to the late William and Lela Garner on August 8, 1937. In addition to his parents, he was reunited with his dear wife of 51 years, Mollie Faye Davis Garner; and grandson, William Joseph Hathaway.
A graduate of Guilford College, Bill went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Education from East Carolina University. Employed for over thirty years with Wayne County Public Schools, Bill taught high school at Goldsboro High School before moving to Eastern Wayne High School where he taught and served as the athletic director until his retirement.
Responding to God’s call to serve as a preacher in the Friends Church, Bill fulfilled his promise as pastor of New Hope Friends church for over seventeen and a half years. As a pastor, he honored God through sharing the Word and helping countless people on their spiritual walk.
Time spent with family was always enjoyed by Bill. When grandchildren arrived, Bill’s heart grew warmer and his life became brighter. After the death of his first wife, Mollie, Bill found happiness again as he later married Mary Lou Rogers, rekindling the joy of marriage for his remaining years.
Having a great love for the outdoors, Bill’s time away from home and work was spent hunting and water skiing in earlier years.
A service to celebrate Bill’s life and give witness to his faith in Jesus Christ will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at New Hope Friends Church with Rev. Gabe Mitchell and Rev. Andrew Hise officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service in the family life center. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at New Hope Friends Cemetery.
Bill is survived by his wife of over 14 years, Mary Lou Rogers Garner; daughters, Kyra Lynn Garner Hathaway and husband, Joey and Terri Faye Garner Thompson and husband, Harvey Lane Thompson; grandchildren, Emily Ryan Hathaway, Daniel Reed Thompson, and wife, Kaylyn, and Riley Elizabeth Thompson; wife of grandson, William Joseph Hathaway, Mary Malone Hathaway; great-grandchildren, Molly Jean Hathaway, Landree Reese Thompson, and Larson Jayce Thompson; stepdaughters, Jaime Leigh Coble and husband, Kenny and Haley Elizabeth Monaghan and husband, Pat; and step-grandchildren, Edward Jackson Coble, Caroline Elizabeth Coble, William Brody Coble, and Piper Elizabeth Monaghan. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Garner Uzzell, and nieces, Tonya Uzzell Best and husband, Tommy, Natalie Uzzell Wright and husband, David, Jodie Uzzell Hudson, and husband, Dwayne, and Noelle Uzzell Karlawish and husband, Keith.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
