Walter Mace Garner Union, Sc

Mr. Walter Mace Garner, age 88, of 1746 Brown's Creek Church Rd., Union, widower of Katie Palmer Garner, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Garner was born in Union, July 6, 1926, a son of the late Mace Vernon "Stew" Garner and Eloise Gregory Garner. Mr. Garner loved his farm, which has been in his family for over 100 years. He was a full time farmer and loved to work with the earth growing cotton, soybeans and vegetables. Walter and his father, Stew, were known throughout the region for their good vinegar based barbecue. He followed the tradition of his father of "whole hog barbecue" and continued that tradition to the present day as he was able to participate in his last barbecue sale on July 4th of this year. He and his father prepared hash for Mt. Joy Baptist Church, where he was a member, and for many other area churches and organization for a host of special occasions and fundraisers. Walter was a great storyteller, remembering wonderful stories from the Pea Ridge area of Union County and the colorful characters he had known over the years. He knew a lot of history of this area. He loved his family and was a faithful son taking care of his parents during the last years of their lives. He lovingly cared for his wife, Katie, during nine years of her declining health. He loved his four children and seven grandchildren. The highlight of his life was to be with his large extended family. Walter is survived by his children, Brenda Latham and husband Jack of Greenwood, Kent Garner and wife Doris, Jennie Lemons and husband Steve, and Shirley Harris and husband P.D all of Union; and seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and his faithful dog, Sally and cat, Baby. A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 17, 2014 at the family home located at 1746 Brown's Creek Church Rd., conducted by Rev. Alan West and Rev. Steve Lemons. Burial will follow at Mt. Joy Baptist Church cemetery. Active pallbearers will be David, Kevin and Corey Garner, Andrew Peace, Jeff and Jonathan Meredith, Karl Mobley and Keith Price. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Holmes, Phillip Spencer, Dwight Belue, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bogan, Caleb Garner, Chase Heatherly, Gene Horne, Natalie Garner, Mogan Peace and Carley Garner. The family will receive friends Thursday evening also at the family home. Memorials may be the Union County Humane Society, 218 N. Pinckney St., Union, SC 29379.