O.C. Garner, Jr., 88, passed away at his home in Hamlin on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.  A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Cedar Gap Cemetery, south of Abilene, with James Parker officiating, under the direction of Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:30 on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the funeral home.

O.C. was born January 7, 1935, in Wichita Falls to Ocie and Eunice (Baker) Garner.  He spent most of his childhood in Abilene before he became a business partner with his father as a traveling house painter.  He later served in the National Guard for a few years.  He married Lesta Lynn (Slack) Garner in Abilene on April 23, 1956.  He was a loving father to his six children, 23 grandchildren and numerous great and 2 ^nd great-grandchildren.

O.C. is survived by his children, Joe Garner, Jimmy and Wanda Garner, LaJeanna Patterson, Jayson and Patsy Garner and Joanna Garner; and his siters, Kay Berry, Shirley Rhimes and Ellis Burnett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ocie and Eunice Garner; his wife, Lesta Lynn Garner; his daughter, Patricia Beck; his grandson, Callan James Garner; and his sisters, Billie Baker, Thelma Harvey and Helen Parsons.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Tillery, Cam Garner, Steve Garner, Jayse Garner, Thomas Roberts and Billy Waddell.