Ted Garner

Ted Edward Garner, of Terrell, passed away on the morning of March 4, 2025. Ted was born May 31, 1938, in Hazard, Nebraska to L.A. and Lenore Garner. After graduating from high school in Loop, Texas where he played 6-man high school football, Ted attended Hardin-Simmons University where he received his bachelor's degree in business administration. After graduation, Ted enlisted in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves where he served with honor and distinction, attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Ted’s bachelor’s degree prepared him for a rewarding career in the banking industry. He worked for the Federal Reserve as a bank examiner from 1960 to 1966, and he truly enjoyed going to the different regional branches and meeting the staff and customers. After working with the Federal Reserve, Ted joined American National Bank of Texas from 1966 to 1981 where, through diligence and placing a priority on customer service, he became an Executive Vice President and also served on the Board of Directors for many years. Ted then retired from banking to spend more time with family but never one to stay idle for long, he started working with his friend, Wylie Musser, at Musser Motors for several years, again displaying his top-notch skills with clients, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty for several years. Ted was also involved in many business ventures including opening multiple carwash partnerships with others and his son as well as owning a trucking business. Ted was always interested in different activities and subjects and he, with Charlotte’s help, decided to get their real estate licenses. Ted and Charlotte grew their business by making sure that every client was treated “just like family.” Ted’s vision for growth allowed him to further his goals and, with Charlotte by his side, he secured his Broker’s license and opened their own real estate company, Town and Country Real Estate, allowing them to provide more choices for the clients of Town and Country. Ted and Charlotte found the greatest fulfillment when together they would help potential buyers choose and purchase their dream home or the home that suited a family’s next stage of life. They also assisted buyers with commercial real estate and developed multiple subdivisions. Ted’s invaluable knowledge of the community of Terrell and the city’s unique traits, along with the tireless help and support from Charlotte, gave him a valuable perspective that ensured every clients’ happiness in their new home. Ted was very civic-minded and served on many organizations and groups including Terrell Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce Past President (1976), Boy Scout Troop #390, and he achieved a 32nd degree Mason with Artesia Lodge #406 and the Shriners. Ted was instrumental with the group, spearheading the initiative to bring Trinity Valley Community College to Terrell. He and Charlotte were also longtime members of First United Methodist Church in Terrell. When not out serving others, helping with home buying or banking opportunities, Ted loved time spent with his family and made the most of every moment with them. He enjoyed fishing, traveling to other states, woodworking, model trains, and going to Texas Rangers games and the Opry in Wylie and Mesquite. Holidays like July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter were always hosted at Ted and Charlotte’s house where the whole family and many friends got together to make countless cherished memories. Ted and Charlotte took pleasure in raising and caring for Maltese puppies. It would be a rare occasion to see them without their puppy, Angel. A man of many interests who lived every day to its fullest, Ted will always be remembered as a great man by all who knew him. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, L.A. and Lenore Garner, along with his sister and her husband, Bethel and Floyd Anderson, all of whom joyfully greeted him in Heaven. He leaves his memory to be forever treasured by his family including his wife, Charlotte Garner and their puppy, Angel; children: Brian Garner and wife, Donna, Kevin McGahey and wife, Wendy, Kyle McGahey and wife, Christen, Kaci Landes and husband Kelly, and Kori Porter and husband, Rodney; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sister, Viginia Marshall and husband, Harold, as well as several nieces, nephews, other extended family and a host of friends. Funeral service will be at 2:00pm, Monday, March 10, 2025 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with his family receiving friends beginning at 1:00pm to service time. Interment with military honors will follow at Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell, TX. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests they donations be made in Ted’s honor to Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital at www.scottishriteforchildren.org

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Ted Garner

May 31, 1938 - March 4, 2025