Wayne C. Garner, Jr. age 78 of Loxahatchee, FL went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and respected businessman in the community. Born May 20, 1937 in High Point, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Wayne Sr. and Catherine Garner. Wayne lived a very full and diverse life. He graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Mortuary Science. He started out as a DJ for a radio station as a young man and then moved on to work as an ambulance driver and then a licensed mortician. Wayne joined the Airforce ROTC and then served in the United States Army. He served on the Howell's Board designing weapons for helicopters. Flying and safety were always a passion for Wayne. He served with the FAA Production Studios for 30 years as a safety member and was on the board for the National Aviation Safety Foundation. He volunteered tirelessly with the "EAA Sun-n-Fun Fly In" in Lakeland for 25 years. Wayne was an experienced commercial airplane pilot with Florida Airlines, founding member of Air Florida and station manager with Braniff Airlines, which allowed him and his family to meet so many wonderful people. He also piloted helicopters, hot air balloons, and glider planes. He was passionate about the Space Shuttle program, was a huge NASA supporter, and knew a lot of the scientists and engineers. He attended most of the launches at Cape Canaveral. Wayne also owned a Hyperbaric Oxygen Business in multiple locations before returning back to aviation where he purchased and operated Waner Aviation in West Palm Beach, Florida. He served as Senior Executive Vice President at Big Sky Aviation alongside his sons and daughter. Wayne's memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Shelby and their children: Wayne C. Garner, III and his wife Laurelle; Bryan Garner and his wife Tracey; Laney (Garner) Cardwell and her husband Dan; Walter Garner and his wife Meridith; and his grandchildren: Erin, Emily, Sydney, Olivia, Mason, Andy, Savannah, and Amy. Wayne is also survived by his brother, Walter Garner, his wife Jeannie and family, and a host of loving family members and friends. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at Palms West Funeral Home, 110 Business Parkway, Royal Palm Beach, FL, on Monday, January 18 from 4-7 PM. A memorial service with be held on Tuesday, January 19 at 9:30 AM at Palms West Funeral Home. Wayne will be buried with military honors at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Wayne's memory to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League: http://www.peggyadams.org/donate, The Joseph Sams School serving children with special needs: http://josephsamsschool.org/welcome/support-jss/ , http://nationalaviationsafetyfoundation.org/, https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-education-and-resources/eaa-youth-education/eaa-young-eagles-program
