CHADBOURN – Retired Randolph County deputy John Davie Garner and his wife, Alisha, died as a result of an automobile accident Wednesday in Columbus County.
The couple was on the on the way home from a vacation, the Randolph County sheriff’s office announced Thursday.
Greg Seabolt, the Randolph County sheriff, said in a statement: “During this time of loss, we are left with an emptiness that cannot be explained. We must hold true to our faith that one day we will see each other again. Rest easy good and faithful servant, we’ll take it from here.”
John Davie Garner was 55. Alisha Garner was 50.
Mr. Garner’s survivors include children Kaelin Garner and Nathan Lamonds of Asheboro, his mother, Geraldine Durham Garner and brother, Dennis Garner.
Mrs. Garner’s local survivors include daughters Breahna Nykohl Yanez of Asheboro and Tierra Cheyenne Yanez of Randleman. Her parents, Gene Wilmoth of Wilburton, Okla., and Sharon Wilmoth of Ft. Smith, Ark., and her sister, Angela Wilmoth of Ft. Smith are also survivors.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said an SUV, which was driven by Alisha Garner, and tractor trailer were involved in the crash, which occurred on Rough and Ready Road at an intersection with Old Stake Road. The police report indicates that the SUV failed to stop at an intersection and struck the side of the tractor trailer, which overturned and landed in a ditch.
The driver of the tractor trailer was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital.
John Davie Garner retired in 2021 as a lieutenant after 22 years of service. Recently, he had been working as a part-time bailiff for the sheriff’s office in Randolph County, Seabolt said.
Visitation for the Garners will be held from 6-8 p.m. June 5 at the Ridge Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Asheboro. A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. June 6 at Sunset Avenue Church of God in Asheboro.
