Russell Gene Garner

Russell (Russ) Gene Garner, age 85, passed away in his sleep the morning of 7/29/23.   Russ was born in Cape Giraudeau, MO on June 8, 1938 to John Cletus Garner Jr and Virginia Maxine Garner.  Russ is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cathy (Cat) Kittner Garner, his three children, Russell Gene Garner Jr, Valoree Elizabeth Longo and Michael Anthony Garner, his brother Ronald Emerson Garner.  He has 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his brother Timothy Cletus Garner.

Russ graduated from Maplewood High School in 1956 in Maplewood, MO.  After high school, he immediately enlisted in the United State Marine Corp and completed his basic training in Camp Pendelton in San Deigo, CA and travelled to various parts of the world as part of his military experience.

After serving his country, he returned to CA where he married Elizabeth Gloria Cannavo and had three children.  He had many jobs in the automotive industry including Body Shop Manager jobs and adjusting auto claims for various insurance companies and independent adjuster companies.

In 1982 he married his current wife, Cat.  They lived in southern California for 21 years together enjoying many adventures, travel, boating, golfing, going to Las Vegas, Hawaii.  Together with friends and family visited many Caribbean islands which was one of their favorite things to do.  In 2003, they were transferred to Chicago which was a huge culture shock because of the bitterly cold winters. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in Hilton Head and fell in love with the area.

In 2015, Russ and Cat retired to Hardeeville, SC to get out of the cold and never looked back.  Russ made many friends in the Low Country and enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing poker with the boys and their weekly lunches.  Russ and Cat continued to travel and enjoyed much time on the Hilton Head Island beaches.

Most recently, friends and family were able to celebrate his 85th birthday in southern California on San Clemente beach.   Those that attended cherish that time they were able to have with him.  On July 17, 2023, Russ and Cat celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary.

Russ had a big heart and was loved by many.  There will be a service at the Beaufort National Cemetery on September 22, 2023 at 2 pm at 1601 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC and will be laid to rest in a niche.  A celebration of his life will be immediately following at the Lake Club in Latitude Lakes.  We will miss him terribly.