Robert Allen Garner Jr.

On Friday, September 22, 2023, Robert Allen Garner Jr., beloved husband and father, passed away at his home in Bryan, TX at the age of 86. His final days were spent at home with his family.

Bob, as he was known by his family and friends, was born on July 22, 1937 in Brunswick, Georgia to Robert Sr. and Lottie Garner. He was the oldest of four children.  At some point the family was moved to Charleston, South Carolina and Bob grew up there until he left to attend and graduate high school in Port Isabell, Texas.  While living with his uncle and aunt and attending high school he worked the shrimp boats with his other two uncles.  He joined the marines in 1956 and served until 1959 when he moved back to Charleston, South Carolina.  On July 4, 1959, he married his one and only true love, Raynette (Ray) Lumley. They raised one daughter, Milissa, and two sons, Robert and Marc.  In 1963 after several different career choices he decided the military and the stability it provided was a better fit for him and his growing family so he joined the Army. In 1964 he was stationed at Herzo Base, Germany and Ray followed with Milissa and Robert in 1965.  In 1966 they were blessed with their third child Marc. In 1970 Bob was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas and the family moved to Copperas Cove, Texas. Twenty one years in the Army and Bob decided it was time to retire from the military. Upon his retirement he went to work for Big State Pawn in Copperas Cove, with his wife Ray.  After several moves with the pawn business they decided to make Bryan, Texas their home.  Upon retiring from the pawn business Bob decided to work for the City of Bryan where he was a code enforcer for the solid waste department. Ten years with the City of Bryan, a job he loved, Bob retired to stay home and care for Ray after her stroke.

Bob was a true fan of the Dallas Cowboys, he supported his team through the good years and the bad and never gave up on them. He was the type of man who would do anything for his family and friends.  He loved Ray more than life itself and was lost without her.  He loved being a father and being a papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was never more than a telephone call away if they needed him. He taught them how to love because they were loved.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Ray, his son Robert, and his parents.

He is survived by his daughter Milissa and husband Barney Boatcallie; son Marc Garner and wife Darlene. Grandsons David Boatcallie and wife Rebecca and their four children and Chris Garner and wife Kristy and their three children, Teylor and husband Brandon Thiry and their daughter, and Laticha, Brittany, and Ronnie (Bub) Lawson and their children, as well as numerous other extended family members and friends.

There will be a visitation the evening of Tuesday, September 26, from 5pm-7pm and the funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27.  Both will be held at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, 3001 S. College Ave. Bryan, Texas. A graveside service at Restever Memorial Park Cemetery, with full military honors, will follow the funeral service.