David Garner Obituary

David H. Garner CHARLESTON - David Harling Garner, of Charleston, SC, died peacefully at Roper Hospice Cottage on Friday, February 3, 2023 at the age of 81. David, the youngest of three boys, was born in Atlanta, GA, on June 4, 1941 to John Patterson Garner and Maude Harling Garner. David, also known as Dave, Big Dave, or Large to his friends, and Oompa to his grandchildren, grew up in Atlanta, GA, where he graduated from Bass High School. He attended the University of Georgia and Emory University, where he received his Bachelor of science degree. He married his high school sweetheart, Cookie Peek, in 1961 and they moved to Charleston in 1965. David retired from Wyeth Laboratories after 36 years of service in pharmaceutical sales and training. He was an active member of John Wesley United Methodist Church for over 55 years, having served at different times as youth group leader and member of many church boards, committees, and projects. He had a passion for mission work both near and far. He was one of the longest serving members on the board of the Star Gospel Mission and enjoyed traveling within the U.S. and abroad on different mission projects. He was well-known for his love of cooking for the masses and often prepared meals for large groups at church and on various mission trips. He was a lifetime hunter and fisherman, and a founding member of the O.W.A. (Old Waders Association). His other interests included crossword puzzles, Scrabble, weaving castnets, buffet-style eating, hunting shark teeth, Jeopardy, hymns and folk music, singing, and doing whatever was in his power to brighten someone's day. David was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, J.P. Garner and Ryan Garner, and his nephews, James Garner and Allen Garner. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cookie Garner; his daughter, Lisa Wespiser (David) of Oxford, OH; his son, Chuck Garner (Amy) of Pawley's Island, SC; his granddaughters, Harling Wespiser and Bailey Garner; and his grandsons, Joe Paul Wespiser, Grady Garner, Sam Wespiser, and Charlie Garner. A worship service to celebrate his life will be held at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 626 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Rev. Ken Timmerman will officiate. A reception will follow in the Living Ministries Room of the church. David donated his body to the anatomical gift program at the Medical University of South Carolina, where his love and respect for the medical field will be honored. Donations made to John Wesley United Methodist Church in his memory will be designated to church missions and The Star Gospel Mission of Charleston, SC. Such memorials can be mailed to the church or made online at www.jwumchurch.org using the "Give" link. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston