John H. "Jay" Garner

Jay Garner

Jay Garner, faithful husband, father and Pop, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at the age of 76.

Funeral: Jay will be honored June 17 at 2:00 p.m. at The Hills Church, 6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 2301 North Sylvania. Friends and family are invited to join the family at a visitation on Saturday, June 15, from 5-7 p.m. at Lucas Funeral Home, Hurst.

A Fort Worth native, Jay was born on January 23, 1943, the youngest son of Carl and Letha Garner. He was a 1961 graduate of North Side High. While in high school, Jay was drawn to the funeral industry after witnessing the compassion and dignity demonstrated during a classmate’s funeral. He went on to work for Shannon, Lucas, and the Harveson and Cole funeral homes before leaving Fort Worth to attend Abilene Christian College.

In 1963, while at ACC, Jay met his wife, Dottie. They were married just three years later in 1966. Jay graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and returned to Fort Worth to begin work as a Circulation Manager with the Star-Telegram. Within time, however, Jay returned to the funeral industry, accepting employment with Aurora Casket Company as a salesman. Jay focused on service and relationships, and during his 31 years with Aurora, he compiled a lifetime of friendships with funeral directors across the state.

Jay’s retirement allowed him to focus on another passion: umpiring. Beginning with his daughter, Julie’s, involvement, Jay spent many years coaching in fast-pitch softball. This led to umpiring. So much of Jay’s identity was wrapped up in umpiring. He truly loved umpiring, teaching, mentoring, evaluating, scheduling; anything that allowed him to be involved with or promote the professionalism of umpiring. Jay was the recipient of numerous awards from the Metroplex Umpire Association, the Amateur Softball Association of America, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from USA Softball. He was a member of the National Indicator Fraternity, the Metroplex Umpire Association, and the Fort Worth Association of Softball Officials, the latter two of which he was a past president.

As a long-time resident of North Richland Hills, Jay was also involved in his community. He served on the Keep NRH Beautiful Committee as well as the Bond Committee for the new city hall project. Jay was a graduate of Class 25 of the NRH Citizens Police Academy.

Perhaps more than anything, as it transcended every aspect of his life, Jay was known for his character. Despite an ailment that destroyed his body and saw him endure some 36 orthopedic surgeries, Jay never complained. He never acknowledged or begrudged the pain he endured, but instead looked for every opportunity to enjoy life, pursue his relationship with God, and speak of his many blessings.

We are so grateful for the many years of loving care and friendship provided by Dr. Andrew Dossett, as well the amazing care and compassion shown by Dr. Lori Gordon, Dr. Philip Blanco Antiporta, Dr. Michael Nazarian, and the many team members at Harris Methodist Hospital FW.

Survivors: His loving and faithful wife of nearly 53 years, Dottie; children, Julie Reinhardt and husband, Mike; Jeff and wife, Babith; grandchildren, Jayden Reinhardt and Levi Garner.