George Meredith Garner Jr., of Bessemer, Alabama, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of his family.

George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was marked by faith, hard work, and deep love for his family. He shared 68 blessed years of marriage with his beloved wife, June, whom he affectionately called Junebug. Their marriage stood as a testament to lifelong love rooted in Christ—faithful, steady, and enduring through every season of life.

George proudly served his country in the United States Army. He enlisted in 1957 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He later attended Signal School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where he received training in communications. In 1958, George was granted a hardship discharge following the death of his father, as he was the sole heir to the family business. He later continued his service with the Army National Guard, serving from 1958 until 1964. During this time, George worked alongside his mother in the Ada Mae Garner Real Estate Agency, which was founded by her. Following her passing in 1979, he assumed ownership of the business and served his community with integrity and dedication.

A man who appreciated the simple pleasures of life, George enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. He was known as a man of quiet strength whose faith guided his life and whose example taught those around him the value of hard work, humility, and devotion to family.

George was preceded in death by his father, George Meredith Garner Sr., and his mother, Ada Mae Garner.

He is survived by his beloved wife, June Bunn Garner; his children, George Meredith Garner III and Rhonda Garner Horne (Ricky); his grandchildren, Stephanie Horne Slattery (Patrick) and Meredith Garner Cannon (Trey); and his great-grandchildren, Adalinn Slattery, Brady Slattery, Knox Cannon, Archie Cannon, and Evie Cannon, all of whom he loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at North Highlands Baptist Church, with Bro. Michael Wallace officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Valhalla Cemetery, located at 5317 Bessemer Super Highway, Midfield, Alabama 35228.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Highlands Baptist Church, 4851 15th St Rd, Hueytown, AL 35023, in memory of George M. Garner Jr.