Billy Joe Garner, 86, of Midland, Texas passed away on July 1, 2019.Bill, as his family and friends called him, was born on August 1, 1932 to Mr. & Mrs. Loyd Garner in Pennsboro, WV. The family moved to Massilon, Ohio four years later.Bill joined the United States Marine Corp at the age of 17. His parents had to give their permission for him to join at that age. Obtaining a birth certificate for Bill proved to be quite a challenge as he was born in a little log cabin back in the hills. The doctor that brought him into the world was deceased and all of his records were destroyed in a fire.He served for four years and was honorably discharged. He returned to Massilon and over the next ten years he worked in a steel mill, drove a bread truck route, and worked at a Standard Oil gas station. He then decided to go back into the Marine Corps where he proudly served another 16 years which included two tours in Korea, Washington D.C. and Camp Pendleton, California before being honorably discharged at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.Bill loved to jog, workout and square dance. In fact, he and Bonnie met square dancing. He was her “angel”. Bill and Bonnie married on June 18, 1995 and made their home in San Diego, CA for 21 years. Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about 10 years ago. In August of 2016 they moved to Midland, TX to be near family.Bill is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie, two children, Brian and Carla, three step-children, Brett, Angie and Mark and seven grandchildren.Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his half brother and a grandson.The family would like to express their gratitude towards Home Hospice of Big Spring, the staff at Lamun-Lusk Sanchez Veterans Home and friends.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or the local Alzheimer’s Association.,
