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Bill Tidwell
June 15, 2020
If you look closely at this picture (from my new office at the time Atwater Court Circa 2003) on the left you can barely make out me taking the pic and Ashley right beside me. That's how we were at the time right beside each other going through life. We were an unlikely pair. Me a indoor city computer nerd and he was an outdoor guy hunting fishing country boy. But we bonded in friendship and I learned to love camping with him and he learned to love computers and play wow with me. We both loved to talk and talked for HOURS planning our conquest of the real and virtual world. I look at this and this is how I imagine him today - you cant quite see him but he is there watching over us. I deeply miss one my best friends Ashley Garner, I cant believe it has been a dozen years since he was with us, and God willing hopefully he and I will adventure together again one day. We love you and miss you Ashley.

December 21, 2012
Ashley,
Going on too long now since I last saw you. Not a day goes by where I don't think of you and miss you dearly.
Finally grown up from that stubborn teenage girl you used to lecture in the kitchen. Moving out, and back to Florida. Wish you were here to see how far I've come.
There have been so many times since you left us that I wished you were here to give me advice, but I know your watching over me and finding in your own way to guide me to where I belong.
I miss you dearly. You're always in my heart.
~Shelby
jennifer
December 20, 2012
Thinking of you today Ash. miss your kindness and friendship always!!! And then some........
Shari
May 10, 2010
We think of you every day and wish that you could be with us, however God had bigger plans for you.
Don't worry about us, we are all strong and we are surviving this. There are good days and bad days, but the good ones are starting to outnumber the bad.
Although I no longer have you with me physically, I have the best part of you. She is growing up to be a beautiful, strong, indepedent young lady who has your temperment and a fierce love for her family. She talks about you often and loves to hear stories of "when she was a baby with daddy."
I can't believe that it has been almost two years and so much has happened and changed since then...
We've lost loved ones and friends, but have also had wonderful news of births, adoptions and pregnancies.
We all know that regardless of what happens, life continues. But it makes it easier knowing we have a special angel watching over us.
All my love-
Orvil Rogers
January 25, 2009
Dear Ashley.
It's taken me some time to write this. It was much a shock and surprise in your leaving so sudden. I have thought of you daily wishing we had had but one more day to say goodbye. I understand God's timing in matters is far more important than my little wants, but if only we had had one more day.
I would have told you how much you meant to me as my friend, confidant, helper, and nephew. How grateful I was to have had the many years we shared together. I would have told you of God's saving grace and how much He loves you, and the beautiful mansion Jesus was preparing for you. I would have spent time thanking you for all the times you gave unto me.
I would have laughed with you while reminiscing old stories of the many things we did and dreamed. About the time you ran away with your brother Charles. Skipped school to go fishing. And laughed at aint Giner while she was using the frontend loader of a tractor for a bathroom on the side of the road. I still have the picture I took of you sitting in the truck laughing your head off. When I look at that picture, I still laugh too.
I would have talked about all the crazy foods we used to eat, and how much of it we could eat. That was one of the fun things about you for me. What ever I ate, you did too. I even got you to eat some pretty rough stuff that I would never touch just by betting you that you could not eat it. You would laugh, take a big bite, then laugh at me for how stupid you was for trying it.
I would have never said a bothersome word, or mention times when we disagreed or were mad at each other. I would have never said I told you so, or caused you to feel any pain. No, not at all. I would have never asked you a question of why.
I would have told you not to worry, it will be ok. I would hug, cry, laugh, and pray. If I had had but one more day.
It has taken some time, but now I see I do have one more day. And as many days as God will give me on this earth. I will go on having one more day. Nothing and no one can ever take away my memories of our good times together. No one can take away the place you hold in my heart. I will tell stories, and share wonderful memories with your children, Chris, Mindy, and Emmi, so that they too may go on having one more day with you.
No, I'll never know why you left when you did, or why we never had more time together. Or why God allowed this to happen? I'll just go on being thankful for what I do have, for no matter how small the time spent or memory held, it's far more precious than to have had nothing at all.
No one but God can take away my one more day.
Thank you Lord Jesus for the blessing you gave to me, through my nephew Ashley Garner.
Goodbye my friend and may we see each other again.
Your old uncle Orv. Dude
PS:
Hey dude. I sent this to a lot of friends and family. I hope you don't mind me sharing with them what you meant to me. And please don't be upset if they forward this to share with others. if by chance your playing on a computer somewhere, shoot me an email sometime and let me know how the food is!
Mary Medlock
January 18, 2009
I still miss Ashley. I hope Shari and Emmy are doing ok.
I guess I just miss my friend.
Melissa Little Phillips
July 10, 2008
To the Garner Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very difficult time. May God grant all of you the peace and strength you need to deal with anything and everything.
Edith and Oscar Walker
July 3, 2008
To Wanda:
We just want to express our love for you and and your entire family. You are very much loved by all of our family. May God bless and give you peace.
Edith and Oscar Walker
Christina Marsh
July 3, 2008
Shari and Emily,
Ashley will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a great person and friend. Our hearts and prayers are with you and the family during this time. With our deepest sympathies to Shari, Emily and to all of the family. God Bless.
The Marsh Family
shari garner
July 2, 2008
To My One True Love, My Soul Mate, My Life-
To have to be writing this breaks my heart more than I ever could have imagined.
Last week it felt as though you were on a business trip and you'd be walking through the door any minute.
This week I was still waiting and then reality came crashing down...hard.
I know that no matter how much I would like to deal or bargain or promise, that nobody can bring you back to me where you belong. Words of comfort help, but they are no match to the overwhelming feelings of disbelief, anger, guilt, sadness, loneliness and emptiness I am experiencing right now.
How do I explain to our beautiful little girl that daddy loves her so much and wants to be with her but can't? How do I explain to her that daddy's heart was broken and the doctor's tried really hard, but couldn't fix it, without making her scared of doctors? How can I look into her trusting blue eyes and tell her that sometimes daddies die and become guardian angels to look out for the people they loved the most to keep them safe and believe it myself?
You and I had so many “firsts” left and plans made that we will never get to experience - Emmie's first day of school, family vacations, our 15th anniversary destination and the move to Gulf Shores. You had even decided on the perfect Father/Daughter song to play for Emmie's wedding.
I ask so many questions like how and why and what if - wanting some all-knowing person to step in and answer them in a way I can understand and (attempt to) accept. However, right now I am only at the attempting to do anything stage.
My days are long, filled with the many tasks I must now take on to continue living and taking care of our precious daughter. My nights are longer, filled with many thoughts and regrets of what wasn't said or what I should have made you do or what if this had happened instead. Sleep comes blissfully, but dreams do not.
I know that one day I'll find the strength to move on and suck it up as you would put it. But for now all I'd like would be to drift off to dreams in your arms.
I love you & miss you desperately
Gina Rogers
June 30, 2008
Our Nephew, we loved you so dearly. What a good person you were. I will never forget all the trips to Chicago. The laughs we all had, how you loved to pick on me. How we laughed about the 80's. I miss you and I feel so sad that life was to short. We love Emily and she looks just like you. We will be there for Emily and Shari anytime, anyplace. God Bless the family,
I wish I could cook you some fried okra, I know you loved it.
Aunt Giner
Tonya Sharpe
June 24, 2008
There was Mike, Barry, Jeff, Charles, Michelle, Ashley, Tonya, Brian, Deanna, Marla, Kevin, Keith and later came Johnathan. What I remember the most is all of the good times that we all had as cousins. Christmas at Big papa's and Big mama's swapping gag gifts, the Easters spent at different family's houses, and all of the get togethers "just because".The late nights we would ride our bikes with other children in the neighborhood, and even the times we would make sure things were tidy so we could go and play pac-man at daddy's store, after hours.
About a year ago, you and I decided it was time for a family reunion. We did not follow with our plans. This has been a life changing experience and a wake up call to all of us. We are never promised another minute, hour or a day, but it is time we take for granted.
I will always hold so dear the fond memories that we have all shared. My love to Sherri and Emmy, Christopher and Mindy, Charles, Brian, Aunt Wanda, Uncle Ed and Billie and to all of us who have lost someone so dear.
I love you and will miss you.
Laura Capps
June 23, 2008
I wasn't able to make the services for Ashley, but I knew him in high school. I am real sorry for your loss and may God be with you through this tough time.
Cecil and Margie McCollum
June 22, 2008
Shari: We know that our Lord will give you the strength to overcome your heartache in the loss of your loved one. Our prayers are with you.
Cecil and Margie McCollum, (Leslie's parents)
Leslie Mobley
June 22, 2008
Shari,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Emmie and all of your family!
Love, Leslie
Dale Beightol
June 21, 2008
Dear Shari and Emily, I sit here trying to think of the words to express my feelings about Ashley. Plus words to help ease the pain of his passing away. I guess I and still in shock about it. But one of the things, I always knew was if I had a question or a problem. I could come to Ashley and talk to him about it, he wouldn't tell me what I wanted to hear. But he would tell me what I need to hear. That why I always counted him as one of my few friends. He will be sorely missed.
Billie Garner
June 20, 2008
Almost twenty years I became part of the Garner family when I married Ashley's father. Immediately Ashley became a friend to me and each day of these years has been filled with wonderful memories of all the times that we have shared. Our family is so blessed by Ashley's presence in all of our lives. Fourteen years ago Ashley married Shari and they became true soulmates, and together they continued to bless our family with their joint love, and then four years ago they furthur blessed us with our granddaughter Emmie, and their lives became full circle. The last time I was with Ashley was at his 39th birthday celebration party in May, 08. As we always did upon departure....I hugged Ashley, told him to take care, and that we would see him again soon. I spoke to him on the phone twice on the night that he was rushed to the hospital. Before we hung up the phone I told him I loved him and as he always did, he said "love you too!" Love transcends life and flourishes forever. I won't say goodbye now, because I know that Ashley is in heaven with God and I look forward to the day that we reunite and share an embrace again. Until then I will miss you.
Love, Billie
Margie Viskup
June 20, 2008
Shari,
I know we haven't kept in touch since you left PathCon, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Barbara Jones
June 20, 2008
We're really thinking about you and your family at this time. You and Ashley always seemed like part of our family.
Malcolm, Barbara, Cindy & Mark
Victoria
June 20, 2008
Dear Shari and Emily,
Through your broken hearts, may you feel God’s embrace and the love of many friends during this very sorrowful time.
I am still in shock…It just doesn’t feel right to see someone one day and loose them forever the very next day.
We worked together for many years and NEA will never be the same without Ashley. I will always remember him with the smile that would brighten the darkest day. He was so proud of his family. He would walk around the office with a new picture of Emily, sharing stories and his love to his daughter and his wife.
Ashley, you are greatly missed and I will never forget days we shared here at NEA.
Taylor Royston
June 20, 2008
Shari-
My heart goes out to you in these sad times. May you find peace with what has happened. Please know that my family is praying for you.
Taylor
Jackie & Paul Westfall
June 20, 2008
It is so hard to beleive that Ashley is gone. We met him thru Bill and Debbie so many years ago. He and Shari and, for the last 4 years, Emmie, have been like extended family- at all our family events. Birthday parties, Christmas parties, everything a family celebrates. Plus all the WOW time on line. You don't have to be "related" to be family. His ready wit, his quick smile, and his sympathetic ear will be sorely missed. And I can't begin to express my gratitude and amazement in Shari's attempt to donate one of his kidneys to me. To think of someone else in this terrible time was unbelievabley generous. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be, but I am still grateful. We will keep you and your family in our prayers always. Please know that we are there for you if there is anything we can do. Our deepest sympathies are with you. Love,
Jackie & Paul
Casey Pilcher
June 20, 2008
Shari, My thoughts and prayers are with you and Emily. Jason and I are just around the corner if you need anything
Kelly Colucci (formerly Doxey)
June 20, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of Ashley's death. I was sent an email by someone who is a member of my email group for Stone Mountain High School grads. I don't know if any of you would remember me but I grew up on Chanterelle Drive with Charles, Ashley and Brian in Stone Mountain. I was Kelly Doxey then and we all had good times playing in Charles's various "forts" and exploring the neighborhood on our bicycles. I will definitely keep you all in my prayers and please know that I am so sorry I didn't get the chance to know Ashley as an adult. It sounds like he was still a great person and as goofy as ever.
mary
June 20, 2008
Wanda
I reminder so many memories of Ashley when he was child.The one
I remenber the most is the night when my mom brought over the cupcake and the boys ate them. Then Ashley drink the light fluid and the wild ride my mom took. I know he is watching over his famlies now from heaven. Our prays are with you and your families.
Love always
Aunt Mary, Mary Frances, Michael
Titus Anty
June 20, 2008
Shari , I'm praying for you and your family, God Bless you guys.
MIKE , GINA , CHARITY O'BRIEN
June 20, 2008
YOUR FAMILY IS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS . I HAVE MANY GREAT MEMORIES HANGING OUT WITH ASHLEY AND OF COURSE BRIAN. KEEP STRONG .
Genease Matthews Cooper
June 20, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with you and your family at this time.
Genease from PathCon Family
Robin Coleman
June 20, 2008
To my favorite Uncle and my other dad! I can believe that everything that we have gone through and everything that we have do, that you would be the one that had to say good bye first. I know that you didn't what to leave yet, but then again I know that you didn't want to be in pain anymore! It kills me that you are not here with us and you can't come and help me out of all my crazy nights :)! But all I know is that I already miss you very much and will never stop missing you! I will be there for Aunt Shari and Emily every minute of everyday if I have to be. I love you Uncle Ashley and I miss you very much!
Wallace Pedersen
June 20, 2008
What can I say we are in shock, our thought and prayers are with Sheri and Emmy. Ashley will be missed.
Lord, as we mourn the sudden death of Ashley, show us the immense power of Your goodness and strengthen our belief that he has entered into Your Presence. Amen.
Tim McCain
June 20, 2008
Acquaintences come and go in our lives. And if were lucky, we get blessed with a few good friends. I was lucky to have Ashley as my friend.
Michele O'Brien
June 19, 2008
I knew Ashley from high school, as well as Brian. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
Shelby McCain
June 19, 2008
Around five years ago I moved into this neighborhood. Our familys slowly grew a great friendship and we started going out occationally on friday nights for mexican food. These last five years have been wonderful, between the camping trip and just hanging out at the house!! To think he is gone is unbelievable! I loved having my math tutor right next door! I miss him dearly, he was a great friend who easy to talk with! He will be missed very much and I look forward to seeing him again in heaven!! I know now that I have someone looking over me who would be very proud to see my improvement in my classes! I miss you very much Mr. Ashley and I love you too!!! I'm passing my class in honor of you!!! My love and prayers go out to Mrs. Shari and Emily and the rest of the family!!
Love you guys very much,
Shelby
Edward GArner
June 19, 2008
My son went to be with the Lord. I have yet been able to say good bye and go with God's Love. I couldn't have had a son I could be more proud of. The way he conducted himself and cared for his family, would make any father proud. I've sung at funerals and told many people "Be happy for he is in God's Hands" I know I will be able to accept this later for the trip to heaven is a joyous event. I only ask now that God sends his best abgle to take him home. I love you son...
Dad
Stephanie Hamilton
June 19, 2008
Sherry,
Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
My heart goes out to you today and in the days ahead.
God bless and keep you close,
sandra rushing
June 19, 2008
Wanda and Manley I have you in my heart and prayers. I will always remember that little guy who came over to see Mr. Bill and Ms sandra. God has called him home to a better place. please give my love to his wife and daughter.
susan garner
June 19, 2008
Thoughts and prayers are with
you at this time.
Susan Garner Reynolds
Ed's cousin
Charlene Payton
June 19, 2008
I don't really know what to say other than I'm deeply sorry. Ashley will be greatly missed.
Lynn Carey
June 19, 2008
"The Ashley Way"
After my second interview here at NEA, I recall that Ashley was one of the people that made me feel most welcomed.
He was always approachable - always willing to help -whether it was telling me about cacls or looking at a nail in my tire.
What I'll miss most and remember is his devious grin. And listening to him as he told one of his outrageous stories. lol.
He was honestly one of the nicest people I've met since arriving here in Atlanta.
I am already missing him.
From his stories - he lived an amazing full life.
Bill Dachelet
June 19, 2008
I've worked side by side with Ashley for many years and spent more time with him than with almost any other person in my life. We've laughed together, cursed together, and I've learned a lot from him including how do things right. I think that a piece of me goes with him and I hope a piece of him stays with me.
One of the last things Ashley told me is that it wouldn't hurt me to tell the people I love that I loved them.
With love,
Cheryl Cheramie
June 19, 2008
Hello Shari
I didn't know Ashley very well personally but I new him thru you. Even though I didn't know him we had some things in common. We shared the same hometown and our love for good Cajun Food. I'll bet that God had a good pot of Gumbo waiting for him when he got there. I pray that God showers you & Emily with his peace and just wraps his arms around ya'll. If there is anything that I can do you know were to find me.
Barbara Andrews
June 19, 2008
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Ben Smith
June 19, 2008
Some times you never realize how much someone means to you or has affected your life until they are gone. Ashley was a good friend and I looked to him almost as a mentor. I still expect him to step around my cubicle wall with his headphone dangling from his ears like some tacky new fashion statement. To say he will be missed is an understatement. My deepest sympathies go to Sherri, Emily and the rest of the Garner clan. The world was a better place with him in it.
Jim Kerr
June 19, 2008
I know if
Ashley could talk to us right now this is what he would say.
Miss me - but let me go
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little - but not too long
and not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me - but let me go.
For this journey that we all must take
and each must go alone,
It's all a part of the Master's plan
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
go to the friends we know,
and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me - but let me go....
- Author Unknown
God Bless you and your family Ashley. You were a great guy.
Debbie Tidwell
June 19, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Jackie Schnirring
June 19, 2008
We will miss his laugh, his quick wit humor and fire building skills.
My deepest sympathy's to Shari, Emily and to all of of Ashley's family and friends.
Kimberly Manzi
June 19, 2008
Sheri and Emmy,
I wish I had words that would bring you comfort, though there are none. All I have is a warm embrace and a shoulder if you should ever need them. Please know that our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
With heartfelt sympathy,
The Manzi Family
Bill Tidwell
June 19, 2008
Ashley Garner was a GREAT friend. We had been friends for around 15 years which is looong time. Besides our yearly camping trips and ren fest trips with our familes which were a blast we also talked non stop about our various work and of course played and talked about WOW. Ashley always had a sympathetic ear, I cant count the hours we spent on the phone or in countless restaurants like Tanners or Ocharlies talking it up. He gave selflessly of his time and energy to others and asked very little in return. Over the years we grew very close and Im sure he will be sorely missed by many - I know I miss him NOW ;(
TIFFANI WEST
June 19, 2008
Hello Shari, I am very sorry for your lost and will keep you and Emily in my prayers.
Shari Garner
June 19, 2008
God Bless you,
my love,
my life-
Mary Medlock
June 19, 2008
Ashley is already missed. I will never forget the million stories over lunch and how much I already miss hearing them all. Ashley's love for his wife and daughter were inspiring. I always felt like he was a big brother looking out for, not just me, but so many people. My condolences and deepest sympathy for his family.
Ashley, you won't be forgotten.
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