Aaron Lawrence Garner

Aaron Lawrence Garner, age 76, of Denton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. Aaron was born on May 17, 1950, to J. Edison Garner and Clara Arnold Garner.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Aaron was a dedicated family man, a proud veteran, a furniture designer, and a successful businessman whose life was defined by service to his country, his community, and his Lord.

In his youth, Aaron was a standout athlete on the football field, known for his grit, teamwork, and passion for the game. He earned several sports awards during his school years and carried that same determination and dedication throughout the rest of his life.

After graduating from Denton High School, Aaron was drafted into the 506th United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division and the famed “Screaming Eagles,” a testament to his bravery, discipline, and enduring patriotism. During his service in Vietnam, Aaron was honored with a Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and more for his service to his country.

Upon returning to civilian life, Aaron continued his education at Randolph Community College, where he earned an Associate Degree in Drafting and Furniture Design. Later, he achieved a Master’s Degree in Theology at Greensboro Bible Institute.

Aaron eventually found his true professional calling in the insurance industry. His charismatic personality, integrity, and exceptional work ethic propelled him into Durham Life Insurance, where he earned numerous prestigious trips and accolades for his outstanding salesmanship. He later brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to Howard Tysinger Insurance before establishing his own independent insurance agencies, Garner Insurance Services and Carolina Insurance Agency, in Asheboro, North Carolina, where he faithfully served local families and businesses for many years.

While Aaron accomplished much throughout his professional life, his greatest passion was not found in his career or accomplishments—it was found in his faith. Aaron was an honorable and humble man who was always willing to help anyone in need. He never met a stranger and was blessed with many friends throughout his life.

He was extremely loyal to his church family and friends and considered them an important part of his life. His presence, friendship, and testimony will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Aaron loved Jesus deeply and was never ashamed to share his faith with anyone and everyone. His mission in life was to tell people about Jesus, and he did an amazing job of fulfilling that mission. His faith moved him beyond the walls of his own church, leading him to participate in missionary work in Mexico, where he was able to serve others and share the love of Christ.

Above all, Aaron was a wonderful father and Papa. He was blessed with two sons, a daughter-in-law, three granddaughters, two great-granddaughters, and another great-grandchild on the way. His family was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he cherished the time he spent with them.

Aaron was preceded in death by his father, J. Edison Garner; his mother, Clara Arnold Garner; his brothers, Darrell Garner and Wayne Garner; and sisters, Linda Stubbs and Joyce Surratt.

He is survived by his sons, Shaun (Missy) Garner and Michael Garner, and their mother, Linda H. Ritter; his granddaughters, Alissa Smith (Garrett), Katelynn Smith (Dalton), and Emily Garner; his great-granddaughters, Magnolia Smith and Eleanor Smith; brothers, Kenneth Garner and Tommy Garner; sister, Kathy Brown (Doug); along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.

Aaron will be missed by so many people. His kind heart, humble spirit, friendship, and unwavering faith in Jesus will never be forgotten. While his family and friends grieve his passing, they can find comfort in knowing that his greatest mission in life was accomplished: he shared the love of Jesus with everyone he could.

“For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: We spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; And if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, Yet is their strength labour and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

— Psalm 90:9–10 KJV

Please join Aaron’s family and friends in celebrating his life and honoring his memory at his funeral service at Red Cross Baptist Church on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 3 p. m.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV