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William Robert Garner
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Bill Garner was struck and killed by a vehicle while at the scene of a single-vehicle crash near mile marker 164 on I-85 at about 7:15 pm.
He was assisting the occupants of the involved vehicle when another vehicle lost control, entered the median, and struck him. Deputy Garner was transported to St. Mary's Sacred Heart where he succumbed to his injuries.
The man driving the vehicle that struck him was charged with homicide by vehicle.
Deputy Garner had served with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for one year. He had previously served with the Oconee County Sheriff's Office and the Pendegrass Police Department for over 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, parents, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqz8dw27b7c46h2nk300- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Garner gave the Franklin County Sheriff's Office 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carnesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Garner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Franklin County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 264 officers lost to accidents in GA, 29.2% of the 905 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2020, 6 officers in GA were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1968, with 8.
In 2020, 45 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 103rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2020, 49 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 105th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 53. Of the 251 lost to accidents in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47; the middle age was 36. William had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 53. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 53. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 12.5%. Sundays: 12.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Franklin County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.2% of all 905 deaths in GA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Franklin County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Franklin County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
