Clarence Pender Garner Jr.

WILLOW SPRING, NC – Clarence Pender Garner, Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 21, 2026.  Born in Rocky Mount, NC on February 27, 1940, he was the son of the late, C.P. Garner, Sr. and Elsie Dickens Garner. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Eugene Garner, and son-in-law, Aaron Lee Yates.

Pender was a retired home builder of New Hope Homes, Inc. He was a custom home builder who gave hope to many first time home buyers by offering affordable housing. Pender loved the Lord and spent most of his life in ministry to church, studying God’s word, and being a witness for Him by handing out gospel tracts wherever he went. He was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Hickory, NC. Pender loved his family. He also enjoyed putting puzzles together and reading books by Dr. David Jeremiah.

Pender is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dell Howell Garner; his daughter, Beverly Yates; his sons, Gary (Jacque), and Steven (Jessica); as well as his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Pender’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Gary Garner, Rev. Chris Huffman and Dr. Shannon Scott officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made in Pender’s memory to your favorite charity, or your local hospice agency.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.