Stanley Wayne Garner

Stanley Wayne Garner, known affectionately as Wayne to his friends and family, passed away on December 23, 2024, at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Born November 30, 1948, in Greenville, South Carolina, Wayne was a man whose life was characterized by his loving nature, generosity, and deep faith.

Wayne's journey began as the cherished son of a close-knit family in Greenville where he was raised. After moving to Newberry, SC, Wayne learned the value of hard work at his father’s shoe store before pursuing higher education. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of South Carolina, a subject that remained a lifelong passion. After completing his education, Wayne embarked on a fulfilling career that showcased his remarkable work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Shortly after marrying the love of his life, Joanne Barnes Garner, Wayne began his professional life at FCX, a farm supply business. Over the course of 12 years, he became the company's trusted "fix it" man, renowned for his ability to turn underperforming stores into successes. His work required him and Joanne to move every two years to a new city, but they embraced these changes with grace and resilience.

Guided by a strong desire to forge his own path, Wayne founded Garner Lawn Service in 1987. His venture quickly became a respected name in landscape management for both residential and commercial customers, establishing Wayne as one of the early pioneers in the industry. After many years of dedication to his business, he transitioned to Carmax, where he spent the last decades of his career leading and training sales associates as a retail sales manager in Charlotte and Memphis. His colleagues at Carmax will remember him as a mentor who led by example and always took the time to nurture the potential in others.

Beyond his professional achievements, Wayne was a man of many interests. He found solace in gardening, tending to his plants with the same care and attention he gave to every aspect of his life. A fervent supporter of the Gamecocks football team, Wayne never missed a game and his enthusiasm for his team was infectious. His love for history was not just academic - it was a thread that ran through his conversations and travels. He was always eager to learn and share stories of the past.

Nonetheless, Wayne's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joanne Barnes Garner; his loving children, Clea Garner and Matt (Katie) Garner; his cherished granddaughters, Lynley and Lucy; his brothers, Russell (Judy) Garner and Wendell (Melodye) Garner. Each of them will carry forward the legacy of his love and the values he instilled in them.

Wayne's life was a testament to his faith-filled heart. He lived with a conviction that kindness and generosity were the cornerstones of a life well-lived. Those who knew him were touched by his unwavering positivity and the warmth of his presence. He was a beacon of light in the lives of many, and his memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

As we bid farewell to Stanley Wayne Garner, we celebrate a life that was truly well-lived. His spirit, characterized by love and generosity, will forever be etched in the hearts of his family and friends. Wayne's story does not end with his passing; it lives on through the countless lives he touched and the love he shared so freely. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to bloom in the gardens he tended and in the stories of history he so loved to recount.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2 PM, at Georges Creek Baptist Church in Easley, SC.