Harold Raymond Garner Jr., a 44-year member of Laborers Local 110, died on July 15, 2021.
He was born July 20, 1929 to parents Julia (Julie) Lee Holloway Garner and Harold Raymond Garner, Sr. He was the second oldest of the 13 children and because of his birth order, he was not only a brother, but also a father figure to some of his siblings.
Early in his life, he worked alongside his brothers and father in delivering coal to houses. He pursued his education as far as high school before leaving to start work. In addition to his work as a union laborer, Harold picked up trades including plumbing and construction. In his youth, he worked on a steamboat that went as far as Louisiana.
Upon being drafted by the military he spent his years in service as a cook. However, he will be most remembered for being a living street guide. Through the routes he garnered in his 14-year career at Straub’s and time in construction, the fabric of St. Louis streets was woven in him.
Brother Garner enjoyed life and being in good company, often sharing his knowledge of plumbing, construction, cooking and the streets of St. Louis. He was a fiercely independent man that served as a father figure for multiple generations.
He is survived by his siblings, Veda, Nancy, Thomas, Evelyn and June; his children, Marshall, Charles, Diane and Steve; his grand-children, Antoine, Necie, Dayadre, Denise, Kelvin, Jessica, Daneisha, Lil Steve and Stefni; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia; his son, Cornell; his parents, Harold and Julia; and siblings Juanita, Harry, Roland, Vera, Shirley, Donald and Norma.
A funeral service was held July 27 at Williams-James Mortuary, Inc. followed by interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
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