The Life of Mr. Christopher Wayne Garner, 65

Public Viewing Friday, October 31, 2025, from 4 to 6 PM

Cool Spring Missionary Baptist Church

Gaston, NC

Funeral Services

Mr. Garner remains will lie in state at the church 1-hr prior to the funeral for viewing.

12:00 O'Clock High Noon=Saturday, November 1, 2025

Cool Spring Miss. Bapt. Ch.

Gaston, NC

Burial will follow in The Garden of Garner Family Cemetery, 334 Crossvine Lane, Gaston, NC 27832

11 Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith".

Christopher Wayne Garner of Gaston, North Carolina was born on March 17, 1960, to the late Levonia (Tiny) Garner Lewis. He transitioned from his earthly life on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in his home.

Chris accepted Christ at an early age, as his personal Lord and Savior and joined Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia.

As a child, he received his elementary and secondary education through Norfolk City Public School System in Norfolk, VA. He graduated with honors from Norview High School in 1978. While at Norview, Chris was a three-sport athlete earning numerous awards in track and field, football and wrestling and was instrumental in Norview winning five team Championships during the 1977-1978 season. Upon graduation, he earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and continued his athleticism on the football field for the Naval Academy until an injury sidelined his abilities after three years of college.

Chris was employed at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for many years until he retired. He was a member of the Big and Tall Men Club in Portsmouth, VA; he was a long-time member of the Deep Creek Elks Lodge until he moved to North Carolina and moved his membership to the Victory Elks Lodge #1179, Emporia, VA. He was a member of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E.W. (Elks)) Moose Lodge and the American Legion Post #38 in Roanoke Rapids, NC. He was also the founder of the Tar Heel Grand Lodge #100 in Gaston, NC under the leadership of the Mecca Supreme Council from Portsmouth, VA. Chris was proud to be a 33*/95* Mason.

Chris was a kind and free-hearted person with a loving spirit and would give you anything he had. If he had it, you had it. He did not treat people as strangers. He was preceded in death by His mother:  Levonia Lewis, His stepfather:  John J. Lewis and His grandparents: Rogers and Mary Webb Garner.

He leaves to cherish his memories of love, His Companion:  Almeda T. Newsome of the home, His Aunt:  Eula Garner Highe and husband Eugene of Emporia, VA; Ernestine Woodson and Brandon Suggs, whom He loved dearly and often called them His children, along with their children; His Aunt-In-Law:  Earlene Garner Butler of  Norfolk, VA; a host of cousins, friends and Mason Brothers. He will be dearly missed by all.

Mr. Garner rests in the comfort of Coleman-McGee Funeral Home & Staff...Thoughtful Professional Services With The Means Of All...Because WE Care...