Cicero Garner, Jr.

Cicero Garner, Jr., age 81, of Panama City Beach, Florida, passed away, Thursday, November 29, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born on December 1, 1936 in Waynesboro, GA to Dr. Cicero Garner, Sr. and Bernice Inez Welch Garner.

Cicero’s work ethic began early as a young teen when he picked cotton, tended a tobacco house. He also learned floral arranging for weddings and funerals from his aunt and uncle.  He led many by example as a camp counselor.  Cicero was a photo lab developer and newspaper photographer and had the privilege of photographing for the Citadel, President Dwight Eisenhower and Jane Mansfield.  He was a scholar at Waynesboro Academy, The Citadel, Emory University and University of Georgia earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and a Doctorate of Law degree.  Cicero was a successful law clerk for State Supreme Justice Judge Almand and was an attorney at Smithe Gambrel Law Firm before forming his own law firm Hurt, Richardson, Garner which grew into Hurt, Richardson, Garner, Todd and Candenhead Law Firm with over 100 lawyers which disintegrated when he retired in 1992.  He was Past President of the Young Lawyers Association and the Lawyers Club of Atlanta.  Cicero was on the Board of American Institute of Wine and Food, the Atlanta Chapter of Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin and Baille Chaine des rotisserus.  He loved photography, cooking, entertaining, travel, computing and watching his family and friends enjoy life to the fullest. He was extraordinary, a true friend and exceptional mentor.  

Cicero is survived by his wife, Laurie Geiger Garner of Panama City Beach, FL; daughter, Caroline Belle Keown of Panama City Beach, FL; son, Evan Cicero (Katie) Garner of Panama City Beach, FL; grandchildren, Heather Renee (Robert) Nesbitt of Anthony, FL, and Evan Fisher Garner of Panama City Beach, FL; nephews, Claude Garner, Jr., William Francis Garner, Stuart Welch Garner; grandnephew Noah Garner; grandnieces, Chelsea Garner and Mellissa Garner; sisters-in-law, Karen Pauline Geiger and Donna Hasting Geiger; brother-in-law, Dr. Jonathan D. Geiger; and many beloved friends and special pet,  “My Mutt,” Patty.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Claude Franklin Garner, Sr.

A celebration of Cicero’s life will be held at the Grand Marlin Restaurant on Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 6 to 9 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggestions contributions be made to www.anchoragechildrenshome.org or www.salvagesanta.com , in Cicero’s memory.

To share memories, express condolences and sign the guestbook, please visit www.daviswatkins.com

“Life is good if you let it be.”