OBITUARY Kenneth Bishop Garner April 29, 1927 – November 14, 2018 Play Tribute Movie Kenneth Bishop Garner, Sr., 91 of Chattanooga departed this earth to be with Christ and his beloved wife, Frankie and daughter, Sissy on November 14, 2018. Born in Sherwood, TN, he was preceded in death by his father, James Monroe Garner and his mother Arby Belle Bishop Garner. He was one of ten children, all of whom are deceased except for his sister, Constance (“Connie”) Regina Webster.
He was also preceded in death by his wife, Frankie Hotalen Garner and his daughter Connie (“Sissy”). He leaves a daughter, Mary Gardenhire, a son, Kenneth B. Garner, Jr.; five grandchildren, Kimberly Gardenhire Scarborough, John K. Garner, Jr., Randall T. Gardenhire, Jr., Julie Garner Collis and Beth Garner Reed; ten great-grandchildren. Mr. Garner received his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and his Master’s degree from the University of Chattanooga.
He was a Mechanical Engineer and the owner and Chairman of Ken Garner Manufacturing, Inc. with three locations in the United States. The firm was founded in 1984 and is the manufacturer of counterweights and other metal fabrications. Prior to starting his own business, he had a long career in senior management with Combustion Engineering and designed several machines that received patents for Combustion.
He was past president of the Chattanooga Engineers Club and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Ken always put his family first. Everyone in his extended family knew they were always a priority for him.
After his wife, Frankie died, he took care of their special needs daughter into his 80’s until her death. He also supported many Christian charitable causes, as well as individuals, people that he might meet on the street – he would find out about their situation and do what he could to help. He was a devout Christian who believed in putting his faith into action.
Ken was a veteran of the U.S. Navy stationed in the Philippines in World War II, where he distributed New Testaments to many residents. He felt that spreading the gospel of Christ was more important than anything else he did. Ken loved learning about new things, new subject matter, and he continued this until his death.
He was known for his kindness, his humor, and his sharp intellect. He was the “Rock” of the family. Ken was an active member of the Living Word Fellowship.
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road with Elder Steve Bennett officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Wednesday, November 28, 2018 and from 11 AM – 12:30 PM Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, Ken would be pleased if donations were made to Samaritan’s Purse or to World Vision.
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