Billy Don Garner

Billy had been fighting lung cancer for over a year and on Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, the cancer won. He was 71 years old.

He was a resident of Sun City Center, Fla., and was born and raised in Blytheville and attended Blytheville schools. In junior high he was a member of the Papoose football team and in high school was a member of the Chickasaw football team, lettering all four years. After graduation he moved to Illinois with his parents. He was an Illinois resident for over 20 years and was married and started his family. He and his wife decided to come back to Arkansas and moved to Gilbert near Harrison. He worked for the Harrison Water Company from which he later retired. After retirement, he and his wife Kitty and daughter, Brenda, moved to Sun City Center.

Billy's parents, Troy Bell and Nettie Lee Garner of Mountain Home, preceded him in death, as well as two bothers, the Rev. Jimmie Lee Garner of Trumann and Samuel Troy "S.T." Garner of Westmont, Ill.

He leaves his wife Kitty;

Three daughters, Cheryl Siebert of St. Petersburg, Fla., Diana Jarrett of Everton, and Brenda Garner of the home;

His brother, Bobby Garner and wife, Bonita, of Blytheville;

His sister, Anna Bell Walker and husband, Bill, of Blytheville; and

Four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren

A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 14, in the chapel at Hospice House where he passed away. He was of the Baptist faith. His ashes will be spread at locations he chose before passing away.