Robbie Carlton Garner
Robbie Carlton Garner, 80, of Holly Springs, passed away at his home, on September 28, 2025.
Robbie was born on November 16, 1944 in Churchland, NC, to the late Clyde and Docia Garner.
He graduated from West Davidson High School in 1962. After graduation, he attended Kings College in Charlotte, earning a degree in Accounting and forming many lifelong friendships during his time there. Robbie also proudly served in the National Guard for six years. He went on to enjoy a long career as a software engineer at First Citizens Bank, where he played a key role in supporting the bank’s technology and growth until his retirement in 2000.
Robbie was a member of Woodhaven Baptist Church in Apex, North Carolina, where he enjoyed teaching preschool-aged children on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and during Vacation Bible School. He served with the Woodhaven on Mission group, helping prepare and serve meals at the homeless shelter, and was a member of the Fellowship Committee. On Sunday mornings, he enjoyed greeting and welcoming new guests. Robbie was willing to help anywhere he felt called. Through his many acts of service and through participation in his Sunday School class, he formed many meaningful and lasting friendships.
Robbie’s greatest joy was his family. He lit up with a beaming smile whenever family came to visit, always showing how happy he was to see his loved ones. He was extremely proud of his entire family.
Robbie had a gift for creating beauty. He had a passion for gardening, working tirelessly to create a yard of beauty. He propagated hundreds of new plants, sharing them generously, and they now grow in our yards as lasting reminders of him. He was a skilled woodworker, making unique wall boxes, bluebird houses, and many other pieces. Robbie also loved the beach - sunning, shopping, seafood, and shagging to beach music were among his favorite pastimes. An avid card player, he spent countless hours playing cards with his family, often winning, even in his final months.
Despite many health struggles, Robbie faced each challenge with strength, grace, and optimism. He never complained and always had a positive attitude. His sweet nature, grateful spirit, and witty personality always made him a favorite among caregivers, who often remarked on how much they enjoyed him and how he brightened their days. Many family and friends often joked that he had nine lives, as he consistently overcame obstacles and defied the doctors’ predictions.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved sisters and their husbands, Connie and Jimmy Koontz and Delois and Paul Wilson, as well as many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Judy; his children, Trevor (Karie), Chad (Kimmie), Tara (Jeremy), his step-daughter Scarlette (William); ten grandchildren, Evan (Claire), Claire (Will), Sarah, Ana, Ashton, Jenna, Brooke, Maddie (Antonia), Allie (Greg), and Will; one great-granddaughter, Elena; and numerous relatives.
A memorial service celebrating Robbie’s Christian testimony will be held on Saturday, October 18 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Woodhaven Baptist Church, 4000 Kildaire Farm Rd, Apex. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).
Robbie’s love for his family, tender heart, kindness, humor and enduring strength will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.