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Michael Garner Obituary
Marvell, AR
One martini too many----that's what killed him.
I am born.
"In Dixie Land where I was born
Early on one frosty morn'"
After a long and difficult labor, I am born right after midnight on Wednesday, November 3, 1948, the day after Harry Truman is elected President of the United States, to Alice and Paul Garner in Memphis, Tennessee. At age 4, the Garners move to Marvell, Arkansas. I start to Mrs. Rowan's Sunshine Kindergarten that fall, where I request and receive a "co-cola" rather than the orange juice offered---you see, I am an only child! I love my grandmothers---Big Mama and Nanny---Nanny comes to live with us in Marvell. I love going to Big Mama's in Memphis for Christmas and seeing my aunts, uncles and cousins. And I love school. I attend Marvell Public Schools for the next twelve years, graduating in May 1966 as one of the 48 Superior Seniors of '66.
I am educated. I work.
"Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton
Old times there are not forgotten"
My formal education is hardly over. Au contraire. Clark Hall and I attend summer school that summer at The University in Fayetteville and then again for the fall semester. Clark eventually bestows on me what I always consider the highest honor of my life, serving as his Best Man. In January of my Freshman year, I transfer to Ole Miss, because it is more "Southern." It is there that I fall in love with The Rebels, The Confederate flag, "Dixie," Col. Reb, Bourbon and water and Kathy Haskett. I join Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and love drinkin' and dancin' and partin' at the fraternity house. The best day of my life is January 1, 1970, when Ole Miss beats Arkansas in The Sugar Bowl 27-22. Although"one never graduates from Ole Miss," I receive a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in May 1970 from The University of Mississippi. I attend Mizzou that summer and fall. I then enter Ole Miss Law School in the summer of 1971 and graduate with a Juris Doctor in December 1973. After 21 years of formal education, it is time to go to work, and I do for Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company in Jackson, Mississippi, retiring in March 2011.
I live my life.
But my life is not about work. My life is about fun. I like people and laughter and nonsense. I love riding with the top down in convertibles and jeeps. I like Elvis and the Beatles and The Temptations. I like listening to oldies and rock 'n' roll and '60s soul. I like Italy and New York City and N'Awlins. I love bulldogs and screened porches and everything Southern. I love shrimp and pasta and BLT's in the summertime. I love The Fall, Ole Miss football and bowl games. I love throwing a party; I like FNEJ for Africa, USA for Tammy Faye, a Martin Luther King Party now and then and my own '60s 60th Birthday Party. I make more fun of Bill and Hillary Clinton than anyone in the world, except for Saturday Night Live. I vote Republican every chance I get. What I don't like is being told what to do. Occasionally pretentious and somewhat affected, I like things my way; I like writing my own obituary. Although outwardly gregarious and self-confident, I am not the extrovert that I appear. I am oftentimes prone to self-doubt and I get my feelings hurt too easily…and yet I love to be the center of attention and the life of the party. My life's mottos are "It's all about me." and "You have to grow old, but you don't have to grow up."
I die.
"In Dixie Land I'll take my stand
To live and die in Dixie"
Dying from who knows what, but peacefully in my sleep, at home at the age of 65 in Madison, Mississippi, I have gone on to explain my life to my Maker on July 27th, 2014. Although a born-again Christian, I am a back-slidin' Southern Baptist. So, friends, gather for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at a time and place to be determined and toast me and roast me. Meanwhile, I'll be available for viewing from 11 to 1 at the Bob Neal & Sons/Brickell Funeral Home in my hometown of Marvell, Arkansas, with a graveside service immediately following at Eventide Cemetery beside "them ole cotton fields back home." And will be buried beside my parents, Alice and Paul Garner, in my beloved hometown of Marvell "away, away, away down South in Dixie."
And the mosquitoes-----That's what drove him crazy............
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Garner
Beverly Helmke
July 28, 2024
It’s been 10 years and we’re still missing Mike. But we are enjoying all the fabulous memories of the fun times we enjoyed together over our 50 year friendship.
Mary Harden
March 24, 2024
It´s been many years now, but I still miss Mike. His obituary is still the best
Edwin Smith
January 2, 2020
Mike was always the life of the party and his joy was infectious. There should be more people like Mike in the world. God rest you merry gentleman!
Justin Stubbs
August 6, 2014
Mike, RIP my good good friend. I am gonna miss you so much. I very rarely befriend customers, but you were certainly the exception! You spread more joy and happiness than anyone i have ever met. I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that you are gone. Thank you so much for being such a caring, kind hearted person and FRIEND! I love you and will think about you everyday for the rest of my life! BTW, I saw that meteor tonight. I took it as a sign you got the message i sent to you minutes prior. Cant wait til we meet again on the other side!
August 6, 2014
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
John McGill
August 6, 2014
Mike was an orginal, and everybody's friend.
Rest in peace, "Garn-Garn". See you there soon, old buddy.
"John-John"
Johnny McGill
Superior Senior '66
Rosa Lee George
August 5, 2014
Mike will be missed by so many. He was my friend and a very smart and special guy.
Peggy Seamon
August 4, 2014
When I read this obituary, I felt sorrow that I never met this wonderful man. He brought joy to my day, and to others that I know. If we could all be this way, the world would be a better place. Condolences to all who will miss him.
Suzy Webb
August 4, 2014
I just heard the news about Mike. Gee, I really liked and admired that guy. Great asset to Southern Farm Bureau Life. Gonna miss you, Mike....
Don Brown
August 4, 2014
just heard of your passing Mike, until we meet again. from all of us in the Louisiana Bureau who you were so gracious to, for so many years.
August 3, 2014
I did not know Mr. Garner but much appreciate his self portrait obituary. Being an Ole Miss Law grad, and an SAE via Southern Miss and Ole Miss, and friends with several members of Phi Kappa Psi, I salute you Mr. Garner.....
rest in peace.
Ron Doleac, Hattiesburg, MS
August 2, 2014
It was my enjoyable pleasure to meet and party with Mike - a delightful person - am proud to still have the confederate flag you sent, Mike!!!!
August 2, 2014
Mike was one of the founders of the Estate Planning Dept. at Southern Farm Bureau Life. In that role, he and I worked together periodically for several years. He was a great Phi Psi, a great Ole Miss fan (and that coming from an LSU Tiger!), and one of the most colorful people you would ever know. He was a great part of the Farm Bureau family. My condolences to his family and the folks at the Home Office.
Dudley M. Glenn
Farm Bureau Agent,retired
Gloster, Desoto Parish, LA Parish
Kathy and Jim Chadwick
August 2, 2014
I have the wonderful picture in my head of Mike's face when Jim reached over and took some food off of his plate! It was truly a Kodak moment. As recently as July in New York City we had dinner and I offered him to taste something from my plate. He rolled his eyes, politely declined and gave me the rudimentary response, "if I wanted it, I would have ordered it". We disagreed about every politician and still considered ourselves friends. Imagine that! He was fun, enjoyed life to the fullest and made it fun for all around him. We will miss seeing him and those faces. They were priceless.
August 2, 2014
I didn't know Mike but it seems that my life would have been made brighter by his ability to live life to the fullest. I hope to one day meet him. I can see St Peter trying to keep up with him! Rest in peace and I pray that your family and many friends will be comforted by your memory
August 1, 2014
Hotty Toddy, from one Arkansas Rebel to another. Rest in peace!
Ellis Nassour
August 1, 2014
To Michael's family:
This is a man I would have loved to have known!
He had a good life, and now he rests in peace.
Gloria Welch
July 31, 2014
Heaven is surely brighter, since this southern gentleman entered the golden gate. This earth would be so much nicer, with people like Mike. I did not know him, but, wish that I had. The Rebels should dedicate a game, in his memory. My Dad is in heaven and I am sure the two of them will continue saying Hotty Toddy. God bless his family with comfort.
terrie decker
July 31, 2014
Happy trails Mike....
Cheryl Whitfield
July 31, 2014
I must give my condolences to this man's family. I am not an emotional person, but this obit touched my heart and soul. I would have loved to have known this man, and maybe someday I will meet him on the other side. Save me a seat in stands, I will root for the Gators and you can root for Ole Miss.
Molly Wooten
July 31, 2014
Mike, you will be missed...you could piss people off and compliment them in the same breath....you had a heart as big as all outdoors....rest in peace my friend...love and amen....
Melinda Myrick
July 31, 2014
Only Mike could write an obituary like this! He will certainly be missed. Prayers for his family and friends.
Greg Baggett
July 31, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Mike for several years. What a great guy! I will miss him and the wit that was so clearly displayed in his obituary.
July 31, 2014
I had the pleasure of knowing this amazing individual. May Mike's soul rest in peace! Monty Permenter, Ridgeland, MS
Cyndee haynes
July 31, 2014
Mike you will be missed!! I had the extinct honor of living in Marvell and knowing Mike through a Good Friend of mine and his Mary Bloesch better known as lulee to most !! RIP and let us know somehow someway that our Fur babies really are there waiting for us!!
Sue Russell
July 31, 2014
Mike's love of people and enthusiasm for anything he was involved in will be missed. I always loved to read his commentaries after the reunions and festivals he attended in Marvell.
Duncan Taylor Black
July 31, 2014
Farewell to a true son of the south, a gentleman of great sensitivity and wisdom. His kind is fading from the earth. How grateful we should all be for the opportunity to have had him in our midst. I wish I had known him.
Ruth Kirkley-jenkins
July 31, 2014
Mike was a nice person- came from a nice mom and dad .. I can see that he certainly was a hoot! I knew his mom and dad -but only knew that he was their son when he came to visit them. He looks like Mrs. Alice for sure!
July 30, 2014
I AM IN DEEP MOURNING FOR A MAN I NEVER MET - BUT WISH I HAD.
BOBBY BOLDING REYNOLDS
LITTLE ROCK
Michael McCauley
July 30, 2014
I can only add my comment to one of many. One of the best obituaries I have every head. What a truly charming intelligent man he must've been. It would've been great to have him as a friend. May you rest in peace Mr. Garner, I know you will be missed by many.
July 30, 2014
best obit I have ever read must have been a funny great guy
Diane Kelly
July 30, 2014
I didn't know Mr. Garner,however after reading his obituary I feel as I do. Would have loved to have met him and called him a friend.
July 30, 2014
A friend in the office just handed me an obituary and said,” read this, it is interesting – this guy wrote his on obituary”. As I began to read things seemed too familiar. It hit me like a bolt of lightning this Mike Garner was my friend from the Farm Bureau Day. Totally shocked by Mike's passing but not shocked that he wrote his own obituary. Mike was a good friend and co-worker. He knew I liked some of the old Elvis music so for a birthday he game me one of his Elvis 45's framed for the office. That was Mike he knew and appreciated the people around him. With Mike's passing there will less laughter and one less smile in Dixie Land. Rest in Peace Mike
Larry Cantrell
John Llewellyn
July 30, 2014
I truly love Mike writing his own obituary. I learned so much more about him. I was a fraternity brother in Phi Psi with Mike at Ole Miss. He always had a good word for everyone, was truly one of the funnier guys I ever knew (Yeah, I got your Algebra book, and you ain't gettin' it!). I lost track of Mike after Ole Miss, and unfortunately did not see him for many years. I am so happy to hear he had such a great family at the Southern Farm Bureau. Mike: I know that you will be rootin' the Rebels on this Fall (and thereafter) from the best seat in the house! I hope to be seeing you soon (well, hopefully not too soon). Hotty Toddy my Brother.
July 30, 2014
Even thought I didn't know Mr Garner...I sure wish I had. What he wrote was truly awesome and I know he'll be terribly missed by all that knew him. (I read obits for my father, who is blind, in case someone from his past may be listed there...he is 88).
July 30, 2014
Death leaves a heartache only God can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Betty Jo Adams
July 30, 2014
I never knew Michael but loved the great obituary. I wish everyone would write their obituary before they die and it would be more real. I'm sorry he isn't with you anymore because he sounds like a great person and loved by all. I even love him without ever meeting him.
Casey Waggener
July 30, 2014
One of the best guys I have ever met and will truly be missed from the Sal and Phil's family!!
Edwin Smith
July 30, 2014
Mike was one of a kind and will always be remembered with a smile. The guy just loved to have fun. We hung out in the early eighty's with "the girls" and made it through with only a few tears but many more smiles and lasting memories. The New York City trip he planned for us all will never be topped. Farewell Mike!
Liz Beasley
July 30, 2014
What an awesome obituary written by Mike himself! He was full of life and such a friendly man. He will definitely be missed by us here at Southern Farm Bureau Life.
marion mcewen
July 30, 2014
July 30, 2014
We enjoyed our visits with Mike along with his friends and our family, The Thatchers. Mike was always a funny guy and liked to kid around with everyone. God Bless!
Steve and Marion McEwen
John Wallace
July 30, 2014
I never knew him, but after reading his obituary in the newspaper, I really like him. RIP Reb.
Brian Cooper
July 30, 2014
Mike took a chance and hired me at Southern Farm Bureau in 2002. He was kind, generous and absolutely a joy to be around. The great thing is I know I will see him again someday!!
Chip Barton
July 30, 2014
Sixteen years into a sabbatical and it's still great to hear from Mike. Just wish it was under different circumstances. He was a good guy and a pleasure to work with. Rest in peace Mike and keep the light on.
The Murphys
July 30, 2014
Way down south in Mississippi, There's a spot that ever calls, Where amongst the hills enfolded, Stand old Alma Mater's Halls.
Where the trees lift high their branches, To the whispering Southern breeze, There Ole Miss is calling, calling, To our hearts fond memories.
Rest well Mike, but I know you won't be happy with a simple peace.
Ida Lancaster
July 30, 2014
This obituary was one of a kind and is so typical of Mike to write his own obituary. He was my first boss at the Bureau and became a great friend! He always had a funny thing to say and made me laugh! Loved his parties and loved him! He will surely be missed!
Victor Galathe
July 30, 2014
To Mike as the song goes "May the work I've done Speak for me"
Melba McIntosh
July 30, 2014
Mike will be missed by all his friends in Marvell.I always enjoyed seeing him at our Reunion of Classes, and how much fun he made it.
Bob Jines
July 29, 2014
Mike always had a smile and happy greeting for everyone.I enjoyed working with and knowing mike for many years. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
Paula Jines
July 29, 2014
Mike was truly one of a kind and I consider myself lucky to have known him, worked with him and enjoyed our friendship. See you again some day, Mike.
Richard Mills
July 29, 2014
Mike. They only made one of you. I'll never forget picking you up at the Jackson airport for your job interview with Southern Farm. My report was "he's a little strange but I think we should hie him". Save me a place at the party.
Richard Mills.
Austin Texas
Rachel Arender
July 29, 2014
Will miss him was a good person worked with him at Soutern Farm may you rest in peace
doug hill
July 29, 2014
Mike was in the forth grade and wondered why his teacher was not at school.He when to the office and got them call my dads work. He was also not at work that morning . They went to that little house in Marvell and pulled both of them out of the house.It had a gas leak! Without Mike, I would not have been born. Loved working with you at Farm Bureau all them years and the great Christmas cards. hotty totty!!!!!!
Fredna Gibson
July 29, 2014
Mike was a kind and wonderful person loved by
everyone that knew him. Fredna Gibson
Sharon McWilliams
July 29, 2014
I always purely loved Mikey. He never failed to make me laugh At The Farm and was simply a pleasure to be around. He is missed.
July 29, 2014
Mike,always a smile...and a handshake...quite a character...always knew if i needed him....always there and helpful.Would yell u down in the parking lot...just to say hello....gonna miss him.
garland lankford
Pam Butts
July 29, 2014
That obit is priceless! Classic Garner! There will be a big colorful hole in our lives that Mike occupied and I daresay no one can replace. He was as thoughtful as he was hilarious and a true southern gentleman!
Marvin Vernon
July 29, 2014
Michael Edward, my man..... It is an understatement to call you a great friend.... we had so much fun together and worked hard together, traveling with the company and by ourselves plus other friends, going on boat rides at Lake Caroline, dining at the Mermaid and Two Rivers.... in fact your last dinner was with me on that fateful Saturday night. We both enjoyed our steak dinners, along with reminiscing about years past, then I hugged you goodbye.... never to be seen on this earth again. But my bet is you are visiting with your mom and dad among many others, and with my Lemma.... and we'll have another time to reminisce about a grand lifetime on this earth. May you be enjoying the peace and joy that passeth all understanding.....
Beth Gordon
July 29, 2014
I do wish Mike had shared his "life story" before now.
I knew I really liked Mike. Now I find we were very kindred
Spirits. Well all except the parties and drinks but I love that Mike
Enjoyed life the 60's music and was able to enjoy retirement even if it was a brief time. We never know what time we have to enjoy and I am thankful Mike was healthy and enjoying every moment and praise The Lord took him peacefully as I pray he will take me
I do not know what family to wish condolences to but feel we at SFB were family. We will cherish the memory of Mike forever until we see him on the other side.
Janie Douglass
July 29, 2014
Mike will greatly be missed by all of us here at Southern Farm Bureau. Mike loved life and lived it to the fullest...so glad he was able to travel and really enjoy his retirement. I will always treasure the memories of him.
William Lister
July 29, 2014
Mike had a big fan club here at Southern Farm Bureau, and while he will be missed, we will always treasure having known him.
Glen Castle
July 29, 2014
I always liked Mike's sense of humor and enjoyed working with him at Southern Farm Bureau Life. So glad he did get to retire early and enjoy some years of travel. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family.
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Funeral services provided by:
Bob Neal & Sons - Brickell Funeral Home - Marvell350 Highway 49 , Marvell, AR 72366
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