Terry Joe Garner

November 10, 1943 ~ February 15, 2023
Terry Joe (“Coach”) Garner, 79, longtime resident of Batesville and the Little Rock area in Arkansas, passed away February 15 in Nashville, Tennessee. He is survived by children, Rob Garner of Springdale, Arkansas and Kelli Fly (Billy) of Nashville, Tennessee; sisters, Lynda Everett of San Antonio, Texas and Phyllis Moore of Maumelle, Arkansas; cherished grandsons, Will and Alex Garner of Rogers, Arkansas and Eliot Fly of Nashville, Tennessee; beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Betty (Roope) Garner and his devoted wife of 36 years, Mary Rose (Parnell) Garner. Terry was known for his love of athletics, especially basketball, and was passionate and competitive as a player and coach. He was the former Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Arkansas College/Lyon College and earned numerous honors and recognitions for his outstanding work. He will be remembered most for the lasting impact he had on so many lives as a great friend, mentor, and role model. Terry treasured the life-long relationships he made through playing and coaching basketball, leading basketball camps and clinics in Arkansas and other countries, playing softball, and many other pursuits in the athletic world. Terry was also a dearly loved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandad. His stories, humor, generosity and affection brought his family so much joy. They are honored to have loved and been loved by him and are so proud of his legacy. The family invites friends to gather for a celebration of life on Saturday, March 4, 2:00 PM, at Maumelle Center on the Lake, Club Manor Cove, Maumelle, Arkansas 72113. The family requests memorial gifts be made to Lyon College Athletics in Batesville, Arkansas. Memorials may be addressed to the Lyon College Athletics Booster Club, 2300 Highland Road, Batesville, AR, 72501. Online gifts may be made at https://alumni.lyon.edu/campaigns/terry-garner-memorial-athletics-fund Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.
Prayers for the family.
I was lucky enough to have friends on the Scot basketball team and come to know Coach Garner. Thought a lot of him and he will be missed. I thought I knew a lot about basketball until I sat in on a film session and was amazed at what he saw and knew. My sympathy to his family.
Prayers for the family
Condolences to the family. I had a chance to meet a friend that happen to be my coach he made me grow as a man coach was a Winner that made you want to give your all. I got a chance to know coach away from the game he was caring had a smile when he seen you he will be missed. RIP Charlie Hi-C
It is sad to hear of the passing of coach Garner. While I did not have the honor of playing for this great man, father, husband and coach. I always enjoyed our times together whenever I was around him. He always made me feel welcome and apart of his program. I’ve heard it said that you may forget what someone said, but you will never forget how they made you feel. He always made me special in his presence. Lyon, and all of us were blessed to have such a man and coach in our lives. Coach Terry Garner, Certainly the work you’ve done has spoken for you. Lee A. Smith
From the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s, it was my honor and privilege to be the voice of Scots Basketball on KWOZ 103.3 FM. From Day 1, Coach Garner warmly accepted me as part of the “team.” He was always very gracious in taking the time to record the pre-game interview with me. Together we spent hundreds of hours and travelled thousands of miles, either by van or by bus, on many an out-of-town road trip. He was always quick to extend an invitation to me, whether it was to attend a team function at his home, or to accompany him on a recruiting trip. His sense of humor had a way of making someone feel comfortable yet special. For me, there will always be nothing but fond memories of Scots Head Coach Terry Garner! – John Smith
Coach you will be deeply missed, you taught me a lot about life and basketball. Coach you will always be apart of my life. Thank you! Love always, DeMarco (SHAKE) Martin
Great coach, mentor, father figure to a lot of young athletes. 40 years ago this week, AIC Champs. He will be remembered and missed. Love you coach!