Jim Garner

James Thomas Garner, Sr, known by many as Jim, age 90, of Angier, NC died on Monday, August 31, 2026, in Harnett Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation, Dunn, NC. He was born on June 25, 1936, to the late James and Virgie Garner.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lillie Bradsher Garner; his daughter, Lynn Murchison, and her husband, Scott; his sons, James T. Garner, Jr and his wife, Kay and Brian Whitt Garner and his wife, Kerry; his sisters, Rachel Van Arsdale and her husband, Frank and Caroline Garner Flores; his grandchildren, Aaron Garner and his wife, Melissa, Kenneth Scott Murchison, Jr, Ava Garner, and Colt Garner; his great-grandchildren, Owen Garner and Jack Garner.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Bertha Garner Douglas and Betty Garner Wallace; his brothers, Gary Alexander Garner and Junior Lane.

Jim and Lillie married in 1956 and moved to Angier in 1957 where they made their home for over 69 years. Jim began his working career at Peden Steel in Raleigh in 1957 before entering the propane industry, a field in which he would spend much of his life. In 1976, Jim and his beloved wife, Lillie, opened Garner Gas Company, building a business that became a trusted part of the community. Together, they operated Garner Gas until 2004, serving generations of families with dedication, honesty, and care. For Jim, his work was about much more than running a business—it was an opportunity to serve others. He took great pride in being there for his neighbors and loved the people and community he was fortunate enough to serve throughout his life.

Jim was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. He also loved golf and rarely missed an opportunity to attend a sporting event, especially when his beloved NC State was playing. His children would often say, “No one loves ballgames like Dad,” a testament to the enthusiasm he brought to every game. Jim was known as a gentle giant—friendly, kind, and always ready to share a conversation with others. Even as dementia changed many things, his gentle spirit remained constant. When talking with someone, Jim had a familiar way of leaning toward them and saying, “Now listen,” before continuing the conversation. His simple life motto, “Always be kind,” reflected the way he lived each day and the way he treated everyone he met. And for Jim, no trip to Sam’s Club was ever a quick one; he could spend hours looking around, always on the hunt for a good “deal.” These simple joys, his kindness, and his genuine love for people are among the many things his family and friends will remember and cherish.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Jim will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 300 E. McIver Street, Angier, NC.

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home – Angier.