Ernest C. "Junior" Garnto

Mr. Ernest Crawford Garnto, Jr., 92, of Kite, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at PruittHealth following an extended illness. He was born June 17, 1932, in Kite, to Ernest C. Garnto, Sr. and Daisy Mae Greenway Garnto. Mr. Garnto is preceded in death by his parents; son, Ernie Garnto; grandson, Cameron Garnto; brother, Bobby Garnto.

Mr. Garnto started pulp wooding at age 17 and drove eighteen wheelers for 45 years of his life. He was a police officer in Kite, Toomsboro, East Dublin, and Wrightsville, Georgia. He was also a Johnson County bus driver for 23 years. He served as mayor for the City of Kite as well as a councilman for many years for the City of Kite. Mr. Garnto was a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church in Kite.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jeanette D. Garnto of Kite; son, Nathan Garnto (Mandy) of Wrightsville; daughter, Denise Hobbs (Randy) of Kite; grandchildren, Alaina Kersey (Chris Jaime) of Statesboro, Andrew Kersey of Kite, Brooklyn Garnto of Wrightsville, Mark Hobbs (Holly) of East Dublin, Shane Hobbs (Emily) of Hahira; sister, Carolyn Williams of Kite; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Rehoboth Baptist Church with Reverend Chad Drew officiating.

Interment will follow at Rehoboth Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday, February 9, 2025, one hour prior to services.

Pallbearers will be Dale Brantley, Kevin Brantley, Samson Garnto, Jason Lee, Bryson Rowland, and Heath Palmer.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kite City Officials and the Kite Volunteer Fire Department.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Ernest Crawford Garnto, Jr., 92, of Kite.