William C. Garner Ii

William Calvin Garner II, age 75, was born on August 3, 1944 to the late Lucius H. and Thelma M. Garner. William was a lifelong resident of Toledo, Ohio, and recently moved to Columbus, Ohio to live with his son William III, daughter-in-law Melissa and grandchildren William IV and Laurel.

William was a graduate of Edward Drummond Libbey High School in Toledo and went on to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska. He then answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army.

Upon returning home, honorably discharged from the Armed Services, William began employment with the Chrysler Motor Company and became a Union Representative with the United Auto Workers. However, knowing entrepreneurship was his destiny, he, along with his father, Lucius H., started Garner’s Janitorial Service in the late 1970’s. From that period forward, William pursued his passion and was able to build a successful small business that spanned over30 years. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he also created Buckeye Maintenance Services. Always community minded, William was proud that his business was able to provide employment for so many in the Toledo area.

Early in life, William was a member of St. Paul Baptist church but later joined Family Baptist Church where he was an ordained deacon, under the leadership of Pastor Charles McBee. He was also politically active, serving as a precinct committeeman for several years with the Lucas County Democratic Party.

William, known to some as “Butch” was a devoted father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Family was the core of his being and he displayed that in every way supporting various activities of family members. He had the privilege of spending an abundance of time with his oldest grandchild, Adrienne N. Garner. During her childhood he was her daily “chauffer” after school. He enjoyed watching sports, specifically football, and attended many local high school and college football and basketball games. Butch was also an avid fisherman. He and his brother -in-law, Warren, spent many hours on the shores of Lake Erie.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Lucius H. and Thelma M. Garner; sister, Theotress Badgett; and brother, McClellan Garner.

William leaves to cherish his memories, son, William III (Melissa); grandchildren, Adrienne N. Garner of Brooklyn, NY, William C. Garner IV, and Laurel B. Garner of Columbus, OH; sisters, Maxine (Marshall) Rose, Linda L. Garner, and Janet M.(Joe) Adams; nephews, Dwayne K. (Joanne) Badgett of Melbourne, FL, Colin B. (Shaunte) Adams of Roseville, NC; nieces, Tiruayer (Ronald) Battle of Woodbury Heights, NJ, Maegan L. (Brandon) Adkins of Columbus, OH, and Erika L. Garner; aunt and uncle, Joan and Charles Moss; brother-In Law, Warren K. Badgett; great nephews, Ronald G. Battle III and Connor Adams; great nieces, Cheyenne Badgett, Aiden Badgett, Teagan Battle, and Kennedy Adams.

Visitation 10:00am and Private Funeral 11:00am Tuesday May 5, 2020 at Dale Riggs Funeral Home 572 Nebraska Ave.

Interment at Forest Cemetery.