ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Jasper Lafayette “J.J.” Garner Jr. died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2009. He was 82.

Mr. Garner was born in Amity, Ark., to Jasper Lefett “Jack” and Bertha Ann Craig Garner. He retired from the Corps of Engineers at DeGray Lake field office. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army 31st Air Service Group.

He was a member of Masonic Lodge 381, VFW and Woodmen of the World.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Garner was preceded in death by twin infant brothers; and a sister, Ina Lee “Ann” Garner.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Emma Jean Patterson; one daughter, Martha Garner May of Vicksburg; one son, Jimmy Garner of Vicksburg; a sister, Wilma Ruth Gonzales of Foresthill, Calif.; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel in Arkadelphia with Rev. Greg Latham officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 tonight at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Lance Garner, Toby Garner, Craig May, Lee Ledbetter, Charles Rogers, Donald Treadway, Bruce Patterson and Danny Cogburn.

Honorary pallbearers are Christopher Truitt, Johnny Cummins, Maurice Hancock, Bobby Garner, Claudie Beard, Tommy Cook and Dr. Mike Ford.

Memorials may be made to the Third Street Baptist Church building fund.

Online registry available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.