Gentry Otto Garner Jr.

Gentry Otto Garner Jr. shed his earth robes and joined his cherished wife, Dottie Garner, in heaven on Oct. 22, 2018.

Gentry was born Sept. 20, 1936 in Athens, Ala. to Maggie Lou (Elrod) Garner and Gentry Otto Garner, Sr. He was a 1956 graduate of Central High School in Gurley, Ala. He married Mary Burnum after high school and began his civil service career at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. 

In 1967 Gentry and his family moved from Huntsville to Karlsruhe, Germany where Gentry continued his career working in data processing. In 1972, a brief few months in Denver preceded the Garner family’s move to New Braunfels. His retirement began after several decades working at Randolph AFB.  

A gentle, kind and tolerant man, Gentry was universally known for his happy go lucky nature and his love for family, friends, furry creatures and his beloved Elks Lodge where he was a member for 43 years. Gentry joined New Braunfels Elks Lodge 2279 in 1974 and served as the New Braunfels Lodge Exalted Ruler in 1986. He became a life member Dec. 1, 2005. After he and Dottie retired they returned to her family homestead in Gonzales and he joined Gonzales Elks Lodge 2413. 

While a fan of Texas football teams his life long passion was the Alabama Crimson Tide.  Later in life he became a committed fan of the Green Bay Packers. 

Gentry met his life’s love, Dottie Fougerat Wissman, at the Elks Lodge and married her in 1984. Their shared love of family, dancing and the Elks Lodge Community enriched their lives until Dottie sadly passed in October, 2011.  

Gentry and Dottie were especially devoted to the Texas Elks Children Services and spent many hours volunteering at the Texas Elks Children Camp in Ottine. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Gentry and Dottie do so by making a donation in their name to: Texas Elks Children’s Services, Inc. 1963 FM 1586, Gonzales, Texas, 78629. Please indicate that your donation is in memory of Gentry and Dottie.  Those who wish to contribute online may do so at texaselkscamp.org

Gentry was preceded in death by his wife Dottie and daughter-in-law Cynthia Wissman.  He is survived by sons Robert Wissman (Cynthia), David Wissman (Pam), Bill Wissman, and Gregory Garner; daughters Ann Munro (Ed), Patricia Roberts (Mike), Blanche Wissman, Linda Wissman, Susie Harber (Forbie), Ginny Carey (Rick) and Jennifer Garner. Gentry is further survived by 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services for Gentry were held at St. James Catholic Church on Friday, Oct. 26 with Father Mike Peinemann officiating. Interment was at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Gonzales. Seydler-Hill Funeral Home of Gonzales is assisting the family. 

God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” 
― Voltaire