John Will Garner

John Garner, age 86, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024. A lifelong adventurer and hardworking businessman, John lived a life full of passion, dedication, and a relentless drive to stay busy.

Born and raised on a farm in Hampshire, Tennessee, John learned the value of hard work early in life. As a child, he worked alongside his family raising cattle, milking cows, and delivering fresh milk to market. After graduating from Hampshire High School, John served in the U.S. Navy for four years, where he spent much of his time aboard a ship, further cementing his sense of discipline and commitment.

In 1960, John married his sweetheart, Judi Garner. The two shared a strong and loving partnership for over 61 years until Judi's passing in January 2022. Together, they built a life full of love, family, and adventure. After his time in the Navy, John attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned his degree before embarking on a successful career in the textile industry. He worked for a cotton textile company with plants across the country, quickly rising through the ranks to become the company’s trainer, traveling across multiple states to improve plant operations.

In 1968, after the birth of their son David, John and Judi moved to Bemis, Tennessee, where John worked for Bemis Company as Personnel Manager until his retirement in 1977. John then purchased Golden Circle Chemical, initially selling pressure washers and chemicals, but always on the lookout for new opportunities. It was during a trip to Chattanooga in 1980, picking up chemicals and tires, that he decided to launch Golden Circle Tire. This business became his true passion, with John becoming known for his tire sales and dedication to the industry. His first store was in Jackson, followed by a second in Bolivar in 1986 and a third in Brownsville in 2007.

In addition to his work with Golden Circle Tire, John dabbled in numerous other ventures over the years. He started a trucking business, owned truck washes across Jackson and surrounding states, and even bought and sold airplanes. His love for Arabian horses also led him to become an avid breeder and showman. John was always on the move, driven by a desire to explore new possibilities.

Nearly 2 years ago, John found companionship in Linda Rogers, a dear friend who became his ride-or-die companion. The two traveled frequently, always planning their next adventure. Linda brought joy and companionship to his final years. True to his nature, John continued his on-the-go lifestyle until his passing, never settling down and always looking forward to the next trip or new venture.

John is survived by his son, David Garner; daughter-in-law Missy Garner, granddaughters Alice Garner and Phelan Goble, his dear companion, Linda Rogers, Sisters-in-law Kaye Tomlin (Richard), Sherri Colucci, brother-in-law Donald Cochran, his dear cousin Peggy Payne and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones whose lives were touched by his boundless energy, generosity, and unwavering work ethic.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judi, his parents Alice and George Garner, brother Wayne Garner, and sister-in-law Linda Garner.

Services will be held at Meridian Baptist Church, 161 Harts Bridge Rd in Jackson. Visitation will be Saturday, December 28th 4pm-7pm and Sunday 12pm-1pm. Services will start at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meridian Baptist Church in memory of John.

John Garner’s legacy of hard work, adventurous spirit, playful sense of humor, and love for life will continue to inspire all who knew him. Known for his mischievous pranks that brought laughter to those around him, he will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.