John E. Garner Jr.

John Ernest Garner, Jr., affectionately known as "Red" and "Johnny Red," peacefully departed this life on Friday, November 25, 2022, at his home in Trenton, New Jersey. He was sixty-two years old. Our hearts are heavy, but we know that heaven is filled with extra measures of love, joy, peace, and laughter. 

John was born on December 19, 1959, to John E. Garner, Sr., and Janice Striggles Garner in Franklinton, North Carolina. He moved to Trenton, New Jersey at the age of six months and was a resident since that time. John was educated in the Trenton Public School System and graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1979. He also attended Catonsville Community College in Catonsville, Maryland. 

John was employed by the City of Trenton Public Works Department before his health declined. He also worked at BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc., and Shoprite. He had a strong work ethic and never missed a day unless it was necessary. He loved being in the company of his co-workers, family, and friends and brought joy to each day with his sense of humor. He also gave everyone a nickname or "Label." 

At Trenton Central High School, John was a basketball legend, but his legacy did not end there. He found great satisfaction as a basketball and baseball coach and mentor for the youth ofTrenton. When Trenton Central High School was rebuilt, John's son, Brandon Moore, honored his father and very first coach by wearing the number four (4). 

An avid bike rider and sports fan, John enjoyed exercising and working out regularly, especially at Cadwalader Park. On any given Sunday, you could find "Johnny Red" on somebody's couch watching his favorite teams: the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Philadelphia Eagles. 

John was predeceased by his father John Ernest Garner, Sr.; his maternal grandparents Thomas Lively and Murray Striggles Lively; his paternal grandparents Willis and Ethel Garner and aunt Tomasina Key. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Brandon "Lil Red" Moore, who was his pride and joy; his mother, Janice Garner; two sisters, Elfrieda "Frieda" Young (Tommy), and Constance "Connie" Garner; his best friend and "brother" Walter Smith (Annette); special friend LaGretta Moore; his aunts Jean Tanksley, Mamie J. Fryer (Herbert) and Carol Lively, all of Augusta, GA, Claudette Lively of Jacksonville, FL; three nieces, Pesha Garner, Shabree Young, and Janel Clyde; four nephews, Bakim Garner (Tennille), Jamel Garner, Jamar Young, and Jerry Clyde; and a host of 
great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, and one great-great-nephew. His devotion to his family will remain in their hearts always and forever. 

Funeral service will be 12pm Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Galilee Baptist Church, 440 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be 10am until the time of service. Interment will be at Ewing Cemetery, Ewing, NJ. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home.

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