Memorial Service

William Lee Garner IV, 65, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

Born August 25, 1957, in Harlingen, TX, he called Memphis home for most of his life. He was a member of the first graduating class of Briarcrest Christian School, where he excelled as the co-captain of the Varsity football team. He went on to attend Baylor University, where he was a member of Kappa Omega Tau. Sic 'em Bears.

Bill was known for his perseverance despite personal tragedy, his discipleship to others, and his utter devotion to living out his faith. He began his career in vocational ministry at Central Church, where he was an associate pastor. He went on to be a founding pastor of Grace Evangelical Church and the Executive Pastor at Fellowship Memphis. After working for Downline Ministries, he went on to finish his career at Harvest Church. His chief desire was to flesh out his faith in a way that pointed people to the Lord, raising up the next generation of church leaders around the world, and as a result, supporting the abundance of believers that he led to Christ.

Bill was an avid scratch golfer, who enjoyed playing in numerous local amateur events, but he mostly enjoyed playing with his close friends at Windyke Country Club. He loved to fish, hike, travel and play with his grandchildren. He especially loved to entertain his family with extended photo slideshows of his most recent travels. Always the life of the party, he was an expert storyteller and could never resist a dance floor.

Many felt loved and cared for by Bill, especially his children and grandchildren. He was their rock and biggest ally, and the loss of his daily presence and phone calls is immense.

He is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth; his daughter Megan Gregory and her husband Jeremy; his daughter Becky Garner; his son William Lee Garner V and his wife Lauren; his daughter Kelly Johnson and her husband Joe; his stepson Foster Ligon; his stepdaughter Curren Ligon; and his stepdaughter Abby Ligon. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Harper, James, Cooper, Amelia, Jack, Hazel, Liam, Eli and Caroline. Additionally, he is survived by his father, William Lee Garner III and his wife Ann; his brother Russ Garner and his wife Jenny; and his brother Jeff Garner and his wife Nancy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gwendolyn Britt Garner.

Many his age were slowing down, but Bill was running full force to serve his Lord and Savior. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."