Thomas J. Garner, III

Thomas James Garner III “Jimmy” went to his heavenly home on Saturday, July 18, 2026 surrounded by his four beloved sisters. Jimmy was born April 13, 1955 to James and Mary Garner, the oldest of five, and outnumbered as the only boy.

Jimmy lived his 71 years as the 5th generation farmer on his family’s land in Croom. He spent his childhood working with his father and grandfather, gaining knowledge on how to do things “the right way”. He valued those years of hard work and learning how to care for the Black Angus cattle, the tobacco and small grain that was grown there.

Jimmy attended St. Mary of the Assumption School in Upper Marlboro and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in Croom in 1973. He earned his Associates Degree in Civil Engineering from Prince George’s Community College and worked for a short time with a surveying firm before starting his career with the United States Postal Service in Upper Marlboro. In his 42 ½ years at the USPS, first as a substitute, then the remaining 35 years as a rural carrier, he developed special relationships with many on his route and was dedicated to going the extra mile to provide service to his customers.

Jimmy loved Maryland and U.S. history, visiting historic sites, reading, playing cards, telling stories, iced tea and made the family’s best potato salad, a skill he learned from his dear Arietha. He had a kind, outgoing, fun-loving personality with a good sense of humor. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend who valued his family, family farm and heritage, community and church. Jimmy was a dedicated son, and was one of his mother’s caregivers in her later years.

He was a lifetime member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. He is survived by his sisters Debbie Dillard (Bill), Renee Baden (Paul), Brenda Payne, and Sharon Bookwalter (Bobby), 15nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Garner, and brother-in-law Dexter Payne.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. Visitation will be Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4-7 PM at Lee Funeral Home, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 14908 Main St. Upper Marlboro, MD. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD.