Ronald “Ronnie” Leamon Garner, 86, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

A funeral service to honor Ronnie’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Billy Knox. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Newport. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at Munden Funeral Home.

Ronnie was born on October 4, 1939, in Carteret County, North Carolina, to the late Leamon and Bernice Garner.

In the 1960s, Ronnie worked at Pivers Island Lab before beginning a career as a technician with Civil Service at Cherry Point. Always one to stay busy, Ronnie and his wife also owned and operated Garner’s Mobile Home Parks and Norris Station.

After retiring, Ronnie ran the Shop-N-Bag, for 28 dedicated years. With his signature grin and playful wink, he welcomed everyone who walked through the door. Ronnie made it a gathering place where neighbors caught up, stories were shared, and friendships were strengthened.

Ronnie was a proud 32nd-degree Mason and carried that sense of fellowship and community throughout his life.

He loved spending time outdoors, whether driving his Jeep through the woods or relaxing on his porch swing with friends close by. One of his favorite traditions was his Sunday drive around Loop Road in Newport. He also dearly loved his dog, Frankii Too II and his Cockatoo, Woody Too. One of his favorite pastimes was raising butterflies with his wife, a hobby they shared together for 25 years.

Ronnie’s passing leaves a tremendous void in the Newport community. In so many ways, he embodied the spirit of Newport — truly living the meaning of the town’s motto, “The Town with Old Fashioned Courtesy.”

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 40 years, Joyce “Joy” Parker Garner; sisters, Linda Garner Ross and Cindy Garner Veals, both of Knoxville, TN; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends too many to name.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.