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Philip Garner Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
GARNER, Philip Philip Edward Garner long time Atlanta journalist died of cancer Oct. 19. A great love of language and ideas propelled his career. He served as city editor of The Huntsville Times. For the AJC he wrote a compelling daily column and hundreds of evocative feature stories for the AJC Sunday Magazine. He served as editor of Atlanta Magazine. He worked as a news editor at CNN for 18 years. He received the National Headliner Award for literary criticism, a first in this category. Mr. Garner served as a Commissioner for Gordon County as well as continuing to write and teach. He is predeceased by parents Lionel and Madeline Garner. His survivors include his wife Patti Champion-Garner, children Philip Andrew Garner of Tucker and Julie Cable and husband Quinton, Athens. Two sisters, Susan Holden and Beth Starkey of Buffalo. A brother Jim Garner and wife Dorothy, Farmington, NM. Two grandchildren Katherine and Mark Garner, Decatur. A daughter-in-law Dorothy Morecroft, Decatur, brother-in-law Randy Starkey, Chattanooga. Aunt, Evelyn Blaylock, Calhoun. Special cousins, Harry and Janice Teague, East Cobb. Memorial Service at Cathedral of St. Philip Monday Nov. 7, at 2 pm. www. Thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Philip Garner
Andy Garner
May 31, 2025
I love and miss you, Dad
Carol Willey
October 29, 2022
Phil and family, especially Patti, are in my prayers this anniversary. Phil was so generous and kind.
Carol Willey
October 29, 2021
It is hard to believe that Phil died ten years ago. I will never forget him and am grateful to him for his kindness and consideration.
Hannah Holden
November 7, 2011
Uncle Phil, you are sorely missed, but you are now in a place that is free of any pain or fear. I'm sure Grandma and Grandpa Garner are incredibly happy to see you! I love you!
Chuck and Betsy Marvin
November 6, 2011
We read with sorrow about Phil Garner's passing. Memories of conversation and camaraderie with Phil and his wife Patti at Manuel's Tavern remain strong.
Jenny Garner
November 6, 2011
Phil,
For 23 years of memories and our two wonderful children, I will forever be grateful to you. I need only to look at each of them to see you. YOu carry with you our love and affection forever.
Jenny
Terry Kay
November 6, 2011
Phil Garner was an accomplished journalist and a deeply sensitive man. His death is a sad moment in the lives of all who knew him.
Carol Willey
November 5, 2011
I'm awfully sad to see this news. I will never forget Phil. He was a kind, accomplished man. My prayers are with you Patti and with all of the extended family. I'm thinking of one particular newspaper series Phil wrote. He was a wonderful writer. His sharp intelligence and great soul were clear to me in every line of this story I'm remembering. Georgia is certainly less of a place without him.
Susan Holden
November 5, 2011
Phil, I miss you so much. You were the best big brother I could ever have wished for. You always had my back.Although we all miss you, I know Mom and Dad were there to greet you when you arrived. Funiculi, funicula, big brother.
We love and miss you...Andy and Julie
Julie Cable
November 4, 2011
No more sorrow or pain. I know you see the face of God everyday now. What a beautiful blessing it must be. We love and miss you..Julie Cable
P Sharpe ( Isaiah 12:2 )
November 4, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Andy Garner
November 4, 2011
I love you, Dad. Tell Mark I said, Hi.
Andy
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