William Garnes

Waynesville – William Michael “Bill” Garnes, 77, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at his residence.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Delmar Jesse and Pearl Rebecca Burnette Garnes.  Bill retired from Champion International and was a member of Old River Baptist Church.  He enjoyed collecting guns, knives and coins and was the former owner of Haywood Gun Traders.  Bill served in the United States Army National Guard.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Audrey Grooms Garnes; two daughters, Darlene Garnes of Waynesville and Diana Handy and husband, Reverend Bruce Handy, of Marshville; two sons, Doug Garnes and wife, Katie, of Waynesville and Dean Garnes and wife, Lorelei, of Clyde; one sister, Linda Riggins and husband, Carroll, of Waynesville; thirteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his special buddy, Panda Bear, his Shih-tzu dog.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Bethel Community Cemetery with the Reverend Nathan Ashe and Reverend Stacy Woods officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Old River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Fund, 22 Little Chestnut Drive, Waynesville, NC  28786.

The care of Mr. Garnes has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com