Carlton Garner, 89, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, died peacefully on Fri., Mar. 21, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. He was the husband of Jean Maddox Garner. Born on the Garner family farm in Barbour County, Alabama, he was the son of Edmond Garner and Vera Baker Garner. Carlton was the youngest of their children, remaining on the farm with his parents until moving to Tuscaloosa during his elementary years. Carlton’s life was forever changed at Verner Elementary by his sixth-grade teacher. Mrs. Lyda spent many after school hours helping him learn to play basketball and develop shooting skills. The family later moved to Columbus, Georgia, where both parents worked at Ft. Benning. Carlton graduated from Baker High School, where he lettered and was a star basketball player. He won the T C Kendrick Sportsmanship Trophy and captained the team that won the 1954 Georgia State Championship. Because of Carlton’s second in the state scoring record and acclaimed hook shot skills, he was widely recruited by multiple universities. Ultimately, Carlton chose the University of Mississippi, where he earned the Bachelor of Science degree. Carlton led the Rebel team both from the field and from the free throw line during his senior year, and was All-SEC, averaging 18 points per game and ranking fifth in Southeastern Conference scoring. His name is included on the Ole Miss Jake Gibbs Letterwinner Walk.
Following graduation, Carlton returned to Columbus, Georgia, to teach history and physical education at his beloved Baker High School. He was asked to coach both basketball and football teams, first as an assistant, and later focused on the basketball team, exclusively.
Much of his free time and weekends were spent with the U.S. Army Reserve. He was trained in tank operations and rose to tank commander. During this time, he met and married Jean, to begin a marriage that lasted for sixty-four years.
Following the birth of their first child, Carlton began what would be an almost 30-year career with the Roerig division of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. His successes in sales and management took the family through moves to Gulfport, Mississippi, Denver Colorado, the New Orleans, Louisiana area, and Mobile, Alabama. Carlton’s final position was National Manager Special Sales with offices in Atlanta and New York prior to his retirement to Gulf Shores. He broke several corporate records, five times named “Man of the Year” and inducted into the US Pharmaceuticals Hall of Fame.
Carlton was committed to both his family and his community. He coached many of his son’s little league basketball and football teams and happily enjoyed sharing his daughter's activities. Supporting both children during their school years at Davidson High in Mobile, Carlton served as President of the Booster Club during Bill's high school years and was PTA President while Leisha was there. Both parents were Youth Leaders at Ashland Place United Methodist, where Carlton also served on the Administrative Board. In Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they spent almost 35 years, Carlton was a member of The Rotary Club of Gulf Shores, receiving their Spirit Award for his leadership of the regional Relay for Life. He also chaired the Gulf Shores Library Board. Both loved their time in the Craft Farms community, where Carlton played golf with friends, and grandchildren were given the best rides on his Ole Miss golf cart.
Faith in Christ has always been essential to both, and they were grateful to be a part of the founding of St. Andrew by the Sea Church in Gulf Shores as charter members. Carlton led Vacation Bible School recreation activities for several years, sang in the choir, served on several governing committees, and regularly ushered. Our family is grateful for Rev. Dr. Larry Wood, Rev. George Myers, and Jean’s prayer group who provided abiding, loving church family relationships.
Our family extends its profound thanks to the incredible team at Your Life in Pensacola, Florida, where the staff gave our husband and father its love and tireless devotion during this last chapter. We are also grateful to Vitas Hospice for all that they provided in so many caring ways.
Carlton is survived by his devoted wife, Jean; their son, William E. Garner and his wife, Patricia, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; their daughter Leisha G. LaRiviere and her husband, Jan S.A. Lariviere of Chesterfield, Virginia; four grandchildren, Stacey Jean LaRiviere, Kathleen Louise “Khaki” LaRiviere Bryant and her husband Nick, Jan Carlton (JC) LaRiviere, and Anna Katherine Garner; and, two great granddaughters, Jessica Haley Franich and Nicole Anne Franich. He was preceded in death by his first grandchild, Richard Carlton Garner, his siblings, and his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Fri., Apr. 11, 2025, at 2 P.M. at St. Andrew by the Sea, 17263 Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores, AL. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Carlton's deep and abiding faith and great love for children, contributions may be made to Saint Andrew by the Sea, 17263 Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. These funds will be directed to the development of the new church pre-school, which is to open in August.
