Jerry Jackson Garner

Jerry Jackson Garner, 91, of Wrightsville Beach, NC passed this world peacefully on September 10, 2024, after a brief stay at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington. He was surrounded by friends and family during his time there and a caring and compassionate staff. Jerry was married to Dixie B. Garner for 59 years, the love of his life and whom he held in his heart even after her passing on October 1, 2017. They are survived by two loving daughters, Kimberly G. Iverson (Mt. Pleasant, SC) and Tamara L. Garner (Wilmington, NC). Jerry is predeceased by his sister, Mari Vasi, and nephew Kenneth Newell; and survived by nieces, Donna Swinyrisky (Broadview Heights, OH), Debbie Fields (Frederick, MD), and Anna Marie Carter (Wilmington, NC).
Jerry was born to parents Marvin and Virginia Garner in High Point, NC on June 24, 1933. He recalled many stories about his time living at 1694 English Street as a small boy, with his sister Marveen and their loving grandmother, a most excellent cook. The family moved to Wilmington when he was 7 years old, living in Lake Forest and later Maffitt Village, where he would make life-long friends as a young man and meet his future wife, Dixie. They married on September 14, 1958.
A believer in personal responsibility, Jerry went to work at Babcock and Wilcox in Wilmington at the age of 17, working beside the father he loved and respected. An industrial accident at B&W tragically took his father away far too early, yet he continued to work there, with dedication and determination. Jerry worked his way from a welder's helper to a management position, earning the respect of those that worked along-side and for him for over 40 years. After the company closed in 1983, with the support of Dixie, he started a new business, Delta Maintenance in partnership with former coworkers and family friends Nathan and Saroja Vishwanathan. Together they oversaw the removal of heavy equipment from B&W and moved AmHoist Corporation into the existing industrial site. It was finally time for a well-deserved retirement.
Jerry and Dixie raised their girls in a modest home in the Winter Park section of Wilmington, surrounded by friends, neighbors, and family. While money was scarce, there was no lack of love and support. There were many days spent on the water together in a small skiff that also doubled as a flounder rig for gigging flounders. Jerry would often work all day and spend the evenings fishing to help supplement income. He instilled an appreciation for the natural world in his children, teaching them how to fish and read the moon and tides to gather oysters and clams. The Garner home became known for its winter oyster roasts and summer fish frys. Boats and time spent on or near the water became a passion, and the source of many life lessons for Kim and Tami.
In 1978, the family moved to Wrightsville Beach, where they bought a house and together, worked to turn it into a home. They joined the Wrightsville Yacht Club and spent many happy times with boats and friends there over the years. At the age of 60, Jerry would take a 17' Boston Whaler down the Intracoastal Waterway from Wrightsville Beach to Titusville, Florida, sleeping on the boat along the way. It was the first of several round trips on the boat to south Florida, including one each with Dixie and Tami. He eventually made it to the Keys, where he stayed for two months in Marathon, all the time sleeping onboard a 17' Whaler. Yes, it was a passion. He also cherished times spent with his son-in-law Jim Iverson, learning about sailboats, and eventually becoming partners on a 32' Grand Banks trawler. She was much more comfortable - and brought many good family memories.
Jerry was a member of Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church and more recently, attended Wrightsville United Methodist Church, often walking to church. One of his most cherished memories was a Baptist church mission trip to Honduras while in his 70s. Pastor Tom Cannady encouraged him to go on the trip, and Tom became a close friend and mentor over the years. Jerry would be baptized for the second time and his faith an important part of the remainder of his life.
Jerry Garner loved his family with all his heart and became respected by those who knew him. A part of his heart left this world with the passing of Dixie, but he still loved to tell a good story, spend time outdoors with his children, and greatly appreciated visits by friends and family. He was determined to remain independent and worked hard to take good care of his health. At the age of nearly 91 he spent his first night in the hospital, and eventually made his way back home to the beach. A few days ago, he left this earth on a beautiful day, resting in the Lord's promise of his final home and reunited with Dixie. Jerry was a blessed man – and he will be missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date at the Wrightsville Yacht Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare HERE.
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099