Ralph "Dicky" Foster Garner, Jr.

Ralph Foster Garner, Jr., known to family and friends as “Dicky,” went home to be with the Lord Saturday, February 27, 2021, at the age of 79 following a period of declining health. He was born June 7, 1941, the son of the late Ralph Foster Garner and Alma Blake Garner. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Lee Campbell Garner, to whom he had been married for 31 years at the time of her passing in 1991; one son, George Matthew Garner and one sister Frankie Jane Garner.

His memory will be cherished by his only daughter, Stephanie Morgan (Vincent) of Raleigh; one grandson, Jack Morgan; and additional family including many friends and acquaintances acquired over his lifetime.

“Dicky” had been a part of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for most of his life. He was an avid animal lover and often adopted cats and dogs into his family. He had an extensive and varied career in a number of endeavors. Following graduation from high school, he attended and graduated from Barber College in Durham and began a career as a barber. He had a love for music and was a gifted and successful songwriter with several of his songs having been recorded. One of the best known of his songs entitled “Merry Christmas to You and Yours” was recorded by The McKameys, a professional Southern gospel group. He also held a stint as a radio personality on WAYN-AM 900 in Rockingham. Other career engagements included working with Alpha Plastics, Clark Equipment Company, and finally serving as a security guard for Abbott Labs and then for Laurel Hill Paper Company from which he retired.

The funeral service will be conducted at  Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 1:00 PM officiated by Pastor Brian Lowman of Raleigh. The burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife. Friends will be received at the Garner home on Richmond Road following the burial.

Carter Funeral Home is honored to serve the Garner family. Condolences may be posted online at www.carterfuneral.net.