William Carroll "Dump" Garner

William Carroll “Dump” Garner, 80, of Hamlet passed away Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Richmond Co. Hospice Haven. He was born April 14, 1942, in Richmond County, a son of the late Claude and Evelyn Roscoe Garner.
A graduate of the Hamlet High School Class of 1960, Carroll attended Kings Business College in Charlotte and later served in the North Carolina National Guard. He retired from CSX Railroad after a long and storied career. Carroll attended First United Methodist Church for over 45 years however never moved his membership from Springhill Wesleyan Church where he was raised.
He attributes most of the blessings in his life to his upbringing in the church and the diligence of his mother and grandmother. His family is of the opinion that the tightknit community of “Little Baltimore” (Highway 38 and Springhill Church Rd to the rest of us) and his positive childhood memories there, would not allow him to fully leave, even if it was just a church membership.
Carroll was known to be an excellent carpenter. After the days on Yard B at the railroad, and a slight “cat nap” on the couch, he would spend some of most every day in his woodshop except Sundays. It was a hobby that later almost turned into a second job while his children attended college. He excelled in bathroom remodels, kitchen cabinets, wallpaper hanging etc, but truly found his niche with handmade clocks. He was known to freely give them as gifts for various occasions such as weddings and housewarming parties.
While these were gifts, the clocks at the Hamlet Seaboard Festival were a different story. While having a strategy of only being present every other year or every third year, he was known as one of the highest gross dollar sellers. He once put it simply, “people want something made by hand by a craftsman and they appreciate a good story to go with it, price is really immaterial if you have a good product.” He had the market cornered on all sides.
Many will remember Carroll for his innate ability to communicate well with any one, on any level, and tell a good mesmerizing and memorable story. It was a passion of his to talk with people, especially strangers, and have a good laugh. He enjoyed learning about you and your family and wanted you to know about him and his family of which he was immensely proud of. In the Intensive Care Unit last week, he was overheard bragging to the nurses about his wife’s nursing career and the careers of his children. Like the rest of his family, it was always a blessing of his to be able to help others in their time of need. Financial or just being someone that they talk things out with.
With the assistance of his younger brother Sidney, family, and good friends, specifically Buck Hodges and Laverne Hutchinson, over several summers, his carpentry skills were put on display with the construction of his cabin. Affectionately named by his mother the “Pout House”, it served as a centerpiece for family functions and holidays spanning many years. Later he, friends and family constructed an accessory garage structure initially referred to as the “Playhouse”. After hosting his first event, a large Superbowl party for his friends, it was later known as “The Dump Dome”, a name that stuck.
While being sidelined with rheumatic fever in his youth prevented his ability to participate in organized sports, it didn’t dampen his desire to spectate. He loved to share his fond memories of being able to take the train with his classmates to away high school games when he was a teenager. He often spoke of the generosity of the railroad men of the time making sure that every kid that wanted to go had a ticket, even the poor country kids like him.
When the train had mechanical trouble and it delayed their return time home, it was deemed an added bonus of attending away games. Carroll was a rabid supporter of the Richmond Raiders, especially football. Until his declining health in 2020, he was known to only miss a handful of games, as he referred to it “since consolidation” (1972 for the un-enlightened). Friday night lights were more important to him than any college or professional game would ever turn out to be. He would always say “I just want to see the boys rumble”. He was present at every Raider Football State Championship game, most of the time in tow with fellow members of the Hamlet American Legion Post 49 of which he was instrumental in its formative years of the Post building and grounds that we know today.
Aside from carpentry and Raider football, Carroll enjoyed spending time with his family and being a provider. On the rare occasion of being asked for help from his children, he would reply, “I raised you better than that” before assisting with joy. He was known for being an excellent grower of tomatoes at his home in Hamlet. He would always say “I never plant before my birthday, April 14th”. It just so happens that the Farmer’s Almanac usually recognizes April 15th as the last frost date so it may have not been by coincidence.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Phyllis Hodges Willoughby and a brother J.C. Garner, both of whom he missed dearly. Carroll was also predeceased by cousins Wesley Garner and John Garner who were like brothers to him.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March 1st at 3 p.m.at First United Methodist Church in Hamlet with Rev. Dan Blair officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond Co. Memorial Park.
Surviving wife of 54 years, Elizabeth “Tiz” Garner; Children, Cary Garner (Heather O’Tuel) and Dawn Garner. Grandchildren, Jameson Garner, Ethan Garner and Wilkes Layton; A brother Sidney Hodges (Pam). Nephews and nieces: Mark Garner, Ron Parker, Wanda Parker, Ann Hodges Willoughby-Miller, Heath Hodges, Tate Hodges and Luke Hodges
The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:45pm prior the service at the church. 
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 300 Charlotte St. Hamlet, NC 28345 or Richmond Co. Hospice 1119 US Hwy. #1 N Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Garner family.

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