Granville Benjamin Garner Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Granville Benjamin “Benny” Garner, Jr. of Grand Forks, North Dakota (formerly of St. Louis, Missouri) who left us on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at the age of 72. After suffering multiple strokes over the past year along with other health challenges, he was hospitalized at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks where he passed away from this life. As a brother, father, grandfather, and friend: He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Granville Benjamin Garner, Jr. was born on October 8, 1952 in Birmingham, Alabama to Granville Benjamin, Sr. and Golden Canzady (Adams) Garner. He was raised in Birmingham and graduated from Tarrant High School in 1972. As a young man, Granville enlisted in the United States Air Force. After receiving an honorable discharge, Granville continued his military career with the Air National Guard in St. Louis, Missouri until his retirement in 2012. He also previously worked at Fru-Con Construction in St. Louis.

Some of his favorite hobbies were bowling, playing the drums, and performing Marital Arts. Over the years, he proudly bowled several 300 games earning award rings and had one 800 series. He enjoyed playing the drums both at home and for his church (Assemblies of God). Granville earned a prestigious 4th degree black belt in Yoshukai Karate. He loved and cared for several pet Chihuahuas throughout his marriage to Pam, which continued to provide him companionship after her death in 2020.

Granville is survived by his sons, Wayne (Maren) Garner of Rockingham, NC, Granville (Jonelle Hamblin) Garner III of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Matthew Garner of St. Louis, Missouri, and his stepson Jesse Ray Holubeck of St. Louis, Missouri; brother, Phillip (Kathy) Garner, sisters, Sarah Lane, Sherry (Jimmy) Taylor, and Rita (Joe) Castleberry; seven grandchildren, Blake, Josie, Issiah, Isabelle, Chloe, Rachel, and Troy; one great-granddaughter, Azariyah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pamela Rae (Bauer) Garner; his former wife and mother of his children, Debra Lee (White) Pearson; brother, Jimmie Rodgers Garner; and sister, Carole Sue (Garner) Hurst.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 11:30 am at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. All are welcome to attend.

Forever in our hearts. Families are Forever…until we meet again.