Wilbur Cecil Garner, Jr.

My condolences to the family. I wanted to share Will's influence on me to express my gratitude for my time with him.

Will came into my life at the perfect time in my professional career, contributing to my desire to pursue excellence and to reach my highest potential by considering all options, not being afraid to failing, and use every experience to learn and grow. I was a young(ish) Engineer working for NCDOT in the Signal Timing Group when he joined the 'team'...maybe sometime around 2006.

I enjoyed our discussion on various engineering theories and conversations about previous experiences and technical strategies that made the (small portion of the) world around us 'better'. This was usually done while 'stuck' in the same car, driving up and down the same road, anywhere in North Carolina, over, and over...and over, looking for any realistic improvement within our control or even something someone else needed to be notified about...and then notifying them. He was a classic and dedicated Engineer at heart, looking out for the safety of the public, but also expecting the most out of everyone. Maybe that is what I appreciated the most...he 'expected' me to participate to my fullest potential, to help when asked, and also to learn when to step back and observe. I appreciated his 'no frills' and 'matter of fact' approach to solving problems..."keep it simple, someone else will need to understand this later".

I enjoyed listening to his personal adventures and the frequent ones with his grandson Sully. Sully this, Sully that... He spoke freely and in such great detail, in a way that almost felt like I was there...such a great storyteller. I also remember the stories of motorhome ownership. It always seemed like a great value and a comfortable way to travel, even though there was always something to 'fix'. And the golf! I was so jealous and intrigued when told me he got to work with PGA every year...until he let me know he did not get to watch any of it in person and was working the entire time! Regardless, he seemed to truly enjoy the world of special event planning and added to my respect for his dedication to the profession and to public service...he wanted everyone else's experience to be the best possible.

After I left NCDOT, our interactions became fewer and further between, but whenever I caught a glimpse of Will at conferences, I made sure to say hi, shake hands and 'catch up' for a few minutes. He was easy to spot, towering over the crowd, typically smiling, laughing and engaged in a lively conversation with someone.

Thank you, Will, for the time we had together. You influenced me in the best ways at the right moment in my life and I'll always relish your enthusiasm, support, confidence and friendship.

I'll remember you always.