David Garner

David Ralph Garner, 74, of Lexington, died suddenly on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. David was born in Lexington on March 8, 1943, to Otis Ralph and Margaret (Margie) Hartley Garner. He graduated from Central Davidson Senior High in 1961 and from Catawba College in 1964 with a Bachelor's of Arts in Business Accounting. He was also a 1971 graduate from the Realtors Institute at the University of North Carolina. David proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves. After graduation from College, David began his career working at Citizens Savings and Loan in Salisbury and felt it was a natural progression from this into real estate, as savings and loans made so many home loans at the time. He began his real estate career in 1970, forming Garner Realty in 1973. During his vast career, he formed two other companies with partners, specializing in real estate development and commercial construction. He began his relationship with Century 21 in 1984, opening an office in Lexington, and later offices in Thomasville and Midway. Real estate has always been a very competitive industry, and David said he succeeded thanks to “truthfulness, honesty and straightforwardness.” Anyone who ever did business with him would agree. David pursued an active lifestyle and rarely sat still for more than a few minutes. If he was not in his office, he was tending to his beautiful yard and garden. Deep sea fishing, hunting and golf were his passions, which he shared with his children and grandchildren. He would daily be found walking the golf course for exercise near his home in Sapona. Everyone who knew David will remember him by his infectious smile and the twinkle in his eye. David was a devoted family man. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Ralph and Margie Hartley Garner; and his brother, Roger Garner. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Frances Webb Garner of Lexington; his sisters, Estella and Harlan Sizemore of Lexington and Sherry Garner of Charlotte; his son, Christopher, and his wife Tandra, of Morehead City; his daughter, Leigh Ann Smith and her husband, Roger, of Raleigh; and the joy of his life, his grandchildren Caroline, Webb and Addi of Gibsonville, Merritt and David Owen Garner of Morehead City, and William, Stella and Garner Smith of Raleigh. Arrangements: A memorial service will take place on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 419 South Main Street, Lexington with receiving of friends and family to follow. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations to Grace Episcopal Church Food Pantry or a special charity of your choice would be appreciated.