Dale T. Garner, age 88, of Rainbow City, passed away on May 15, 2026. A memorial service will be held at Crestwood Funeral Home on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Garner graduated from Jacksonville State University with a degree in education and later earned his master’s degree in administration from The University of Alabama. He faithfully served as a teacher and coach at Emma Sansom High School for many years. In 1964, Mr. Garner and his family relocated to Brewton, Alabama, where he served as principal and superintendent of the Brewton City School System until his retirement in 1990. After his retirement from public education, he served as headmaster of Sparta Academy in Evergreen, Alabama.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 69 years, Peggy Callan Garner; daughters, Kim (Mike) Morris, Cindy (Steve) Ballard, and Jenni (Carey) Beavers; son-in-law, Eddie Campbell; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one niece; and four nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dovie Garner; brothers, Winfred and Eulice Garner; sisters, Virginia Martin and Patricia Patterson; parents-in-law, Aaron and Gaynell Callan; and his beloved daughter, Leandra Garner Campbell.

The family extends special thanks to the doctors who cared for him, as well as the nurses on the PCU floor at Riverview Regional Medical Center, CenterWell Home Health, and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care and support.