Garland J. Risner

Garland J. (Junior) Risner, age 84, of Murfreesboro, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2018. He was born on February 27, 1934, in Murfreesboro, the son of Garland Calvin Risner and Bettie Lou Bashaw Risner. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Norman Risner, Clarance Risner, James Risner, Homer Risner, Hubert Risner and Idus Risner; two sisters, Cleo Risner and Melvin Miller. He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church, Murfreesboro where he taught Sunday school for many years. He was a graduate of Murfreesboro High School, a United States Army veteran and he attended Ozark Christian College. Although he had several jobs in his early years, he raised chickens for over 30 years, until his retirement. He enjoyed going to church, delivering Meals on Wheels, walking at the park and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include three children and their spouses, Adam and Michelle Risner of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Eva and Tom Johnston of San Angelo, Texas and Stephen and Tana Risner of Kirby; six grandchildren, Jessica Kring, Nicholas Risner, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Robert Rodgers, Glenn Turner and Jacob Risner; eight great-grandchildren, Dylan Kring, James Kring, Gwendolyn Kring, Truet Risner, Leighton Risner, Ila Risner, Kali Turner and Kolt Turner; one brother and sister-in-law, Hobert and Diane Risner of Murfreesboro; three sisters, Iva Merchant of Texarkana, Betty ONeal of Murfreesboro and Lorene McClure and her husband Bill, of Onalaska, Wisconsin; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. The family will conduct a memorial service on Sunday, December 16, 2018, immediately following the morning worship services at the First Christian Church, Murfreesboro. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Langley Hall Cemetery, c/o Launa Simmons, 2667 Hwy 84 West, Umpire, Arkansas, 71971. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, Glenwood. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.