John R. Garner

John Ray Garner departed this world on April 17th to live forever with the one and only true God, the Lord Jesus Christ in a real place called heaven far above the constellations.

He was born on September 15, 1954 in Maryland to Raymond and Grace Garner, now deceased.  Surviving are his wife Joyce, and his four children:  daughter Lydia and Philip Vine of Ottawa Lake, Michigan, son Micah and Robyn of Pace, Florida, son James and Danielle of Bedford, and son John Allen of Everett and five grandchildren. Sisters Judy of Breezewood, Christine and Michael Davidson of Owings, Maryland, and Karen and Stephen of Huntingtown, Maryland, and seven nieces.

John was a very humble, kind man that loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart and soul, and was not afraid to tell anyone about Jesus, and how to receive Him as their Savior.  He especially liked winning other men to Jesus Christ, and stirring them up to do something with their life for Jesus.  He would witness to anyone, whether man, woman, or child. God gave him the ability to find something in common with anyone so he could talk to them about Jesus.  He was not afraid of any situation and boldly stood up for what was right, even in the face of being hurt.  He was a bold, unashamed witness for Jesus to anyone and everyone.  He would stand on the street corner and preach about Jesus while holding up his King James Bible, pleading for those listening to come unto Jesus and receive Him as their Savior and Lord.  He cared for men’s souls, whether they were going to heaven or hell upon death.  He loved to make people laugh and tell funny, unusual, true stories about life.

As a husband, John was every woman’s dream of a perfect, wonderful, loving and caring man.  He cherished his wife, protected her at all times, gave of himself to make her happy, prayed for her daily, and had true affection and love for her.  He was always buying her flowers and cards, and telling her all kinds of funny stories to make her laugh.  He was never too tired to read her the Bible and pray with her.

As a father, John loved children, especially his own four children.  He loved them like his heavenly Father did in his heart.  He taught them that the most important thing in this life is where you will spend eternity, either with Jesus in heaven, or in hell without Jesus.  He taught his children to work hard, respect others, and love Jesus.  His children gave him great joy and where always in his daily prayers.

John received Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was 21 years old, and right after that he was called by God to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere he could.  He chose to live 100% all the way for Jesus, and told everyone he could to choose Jesus.  He practiced what he believed in his heart, that a Christian’s manner of life should be the same in the church, at home, on the job, and everywhere he went.  His gift was winning souls to Christ.  He read his King James Bible much every day, studied it daily, meditated on the words of God, and clung to the promises of God in the face of every difficult problem in life.  His favorite verse was Proverbs 8:11, and his favorite book in the Bible was Revelation.  John was a great lover of the Holy Scriptures.  He knew his Bible exceptionally well, and always gave a verse to explain what he was teaching, or in answering a question.  He earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Pensacola Bible Institute in 1985, under the leadership of Dr. Peter S. Ruckman.

John was the pastor at West Providence Bible Baptist Church, in Everett, for nearly 24 years where he preached Biblical salvation through trusting in the blood of Jesus Christ alone, not by doing good deeds.   Colossians 1:14 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”

He taught his church that the Holy Scriptures found in the King James Bible has the answer for all problems in life.  It is the eternal word of the living God.  He used humor and funny stories to get people’s attention and help them remember what God said in His book.  He knew the Holy Scriptures very, very well.  He prayed every day for his church family, and sincerely cared for their work, life, and family members.

John will be truly missed by his church and all those who loved him, but we know we will see him again because Jesus is coming soon!

Family and friends may call at the Akers Funeral Home, Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 12:00 P.M. until the hour of service.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel at Akers Funeral Home with Pastor Allen Ryman and Pastor Paul Wenig officiating.

Burial will be held at Providence Cemetery.

If friends so desire contributions may be made in memory of Pastor Garner to West Providence Bible Baptist Church, 494 Bunker Hill Road, Everett, PA 15537.

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