Garry Cortez Garner, 85, of Gravelly, Fourche Valley, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023 of pneumonia.

Garry, also affectionately known to many as Mr. G, was born on October 28, 1938, to Otho and Beatrice (Gwin) Garner at the old Garner's home place in Gravelly, less than a quarter mile from where he lived for the past fifty-three years.

Garry was a graduate of Fourche Valley High School. After graduating from Williams Baptist University he began a career in teaching. He first taught English in Winslow, Arkansas, followed by several years at Fourche Valley, and then was offered the opportunity of a lifetime to teach in Petersburg, Alaska, where he met the love of his life, Sheila, and her three tag-along children, whom he later adopted.

Garry and Sheila eventually returned to Arkansas where he earned his Master's Degree at Arkansas Tech University, having written the book, Smokey River Destiny, for his thesis, which was about his wife's family's journey and life in Alberta, Canada. Garry's teaching career brought him back to his HS Alma Mater in Fourche Valley where he taught for many years before he and Sheila founded America's Pet Registry (APRI) in 1992. Despite many challenges, APRI has gone on to become the country's second largest pet registry for dogs. This was Garry's lifetime achievement.

Garry is predeceased by his parents Otho and Beatrice (Gwin) Garner, nephews Kevin & Kerry Ferguson, and numerous beloved Silky Terrier dogs, especially Rockin' Robin.

Garry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sheila Ada (Parrish); sister Jerry Ferguson; brother Rodney (Susan) Garner; children David (Dana) Garner, Susan (Marcus) Richmond, and Chris (Kelly) Garner: grandchildren Kelly, Colin, Will, Meredith, Miranda, Shane, Aaron and Josh; great grandchildren Finn, Isla, Stryker, Nova and Winston; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dog, Robin VI.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville and River Valley Crematory Dardanelle. Online guestbook and condolence at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com