January 20, 2026, 81, Snow Hill – Thomas Denny Garner, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on January 20, 2026. He was born on April 7, 1944, in Johnston County. He was the son of the late Tommie and Louise Garner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Edwards Garner; brother, Frankie Garner; and sister-in-law, Faye Garner.
Survivors include his daughter, Dawn Garner Stroud, and husband, John, of Kinston, NC; grandchildren, Dr. Dusk Stroud and wife, Katie, of Seven Springs, NC, Smith Stroud and fiancée, Caroline, of Kinston, NC, Landon Stroud and girlfriend, Bethany, of Kinston, NC, and Johnna Stroud of Kinston, NC; great-grandchildren, Garner Stroud and Sloane Stroud of Seven Springs, NC. Other survivors include nephews, Jimmy Garner and Thomas Garner of Pine Level, NC; sister-in-law, Betty Pharr of Charlotte, NC; brothers-in-law, J.S. Edwards and wife, Shirley, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Bob Edwards and wife, Phyllis, of Princeton, NC, and Henry Edwards and wife, Ira, of La Grange, NC.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Snow Hill, NC.
Graveside services with Pastor Brick Crowder will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 220 Barden Street, Princeton, NC.
Denny retired from First Citizens Bank after 43 years. He loved his family very much. He cherished his titles of Daddy, Outlaw, Papa Denny, and Pops. He was always there to support any activity his grandchildren were involved in, never wanting to miss any. He was very proud of all their many accomplishments.
Denny served as a Greene County Commissioner for 16 years. During his tenure, he served as both chairman and vice chairman. Beyond his time as an elected official, he continued to serve the community in appointed capacities. Denny was most honored to be appointed to serve on the Lenoir Community College Board of Trustees for 24 years. He was also a member of the Snow Hill Rotary Club for many years.
His church was dear to him, and he loved the Lord. Denny served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and in the choir.
The family extends a special thank you to 3HC and caregivers Judy Grant, Anita Newborn, Debbie Anderson, Becky Croom, and BJ Shingleton; nurse Haley Andrews; and special friends Judy Heath and Danny and Shelia Alexander.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 484, Snow Hill, NC 28580, Attn: Sandy Beaman, or to the Lenoir Community College Foundation, Attn: Jeanne Kennedy, Denny and Jean Garner Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 188, Kinston, NC 28502-0188.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
