David Ralph Garner, 74, of Lexington, died on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

He was born in Lexington on March 8, 1943 to Otis Ralph and Margaret (Margie) Hartley Garner. He graduated from Central Davidson Senior High in 1961 and from Catawba College in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in business accounting. He was also a 1971 graduate from the Realtors Institute at the University of North Carolina.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves. After graduation from vollege, he began a career working at Citizens Savings and Loan in Salisbury and felt it was a natural progression from this into real estate, as savings and loans made so many home loans at the time. He began his real estate career in 1970, forming Garner Realty in 1973.  During his career, he formed two other companies with partners, specializing in real estate development and commercial construction. He began his relationship with Century 21 in 1984, opening an office in Lexington, and later offices in Thomasville and Midway. Real estate has always been a competitive industry, and he said he succeeded thanks to “truthfulness, honesty and straightforwardness.” He pursued an active lifestyle and rarely sat still for more than a few minutes. If he was not in his office, he was tending to his yard and garden. Deep sea fishing, hunting and golf were his passions, which he shared with his children and grandchildren. He would daily be found walking the golf course for exercise near his home in Sapona.Everyone who knew him will remember him by his infectious smile and the twinkle in his eye. He was a devoted family man.

He was predeceased by his parents, Otis Ralph and Margie Hartley Garner and his brother, Roger Garner.

Survivors: his wife of 38 years, Frances Webb Garner of Lexington; his sisters, Estella and Harlan Sizemore of Lexington and Sherry Garner of Charlotte; his son, Christopher and wife Tandra of Morehead City; his daughter, Leigh Ann Smith and husband Roger of Raleigh; and the joy of his life, his grandchildren Caroline, Webb and Addi of Gibsonville; Merritt and David Owen Garner of Morehead City; and William, Stella and Garner Smith of Raleigh.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 419 S. Main St., Lexington with receiving of friends and family to follow.

Memorials: Grace Episcopal Church Food Pantry or a special charity of your choice.