Charles Winslow Garner was born August 19, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Affectionately called Wendy by his family, he was the youngest of four children born to the late Arthur and Lula Priscilla Garner.

In 1939, a book entitled "Tobe" was published as one of the first children's books to offer a dignified portrayal of an African American child and his family. At the age of 6, Charles was the main character of the book that included his immediate family and other children from the community.

During his lifetime, Charles traveled and lived in many places. Through his love of baseball, he played in the Negro League as a pro-baseball player with the Goshen Red Wings from 1949 to 1950 and 1953 through 1957. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army and served three years. Upon his honorable discharge in 1953, he returned to Greensboro and resumed his baseball career. In 1957 Charles moved to Chicago, Illinois. He eventually secured a job with UPS from 1960 to 1973. In Chicago, He met Gloria Dubose and they were married in 1969. In 1972, the family moved to Picayune, Mississippi. The marriage later ended in divorce. In 1974, he moved back to Greensboro, North Carolina to care for his mother. Once home, he secured a job with Reynolds Tobacco Company from which he retired in 1985 after the passing of his mother.

Charles lived independently for many years. In May of 2009, he moved to Albany, Georgia to be closer to his family. He was cared for by two of his children and several grandchildren. Due to health issues, Charles resided at Pruitt Health Nursing Home-Magnolia Manor in Moultrie, Georgia. Even though he had a reserved demeanor, he had a quick wit and was a great conversationalist...he never met a stranger. His love and presence will be missed, but we are very thankful for the time we had with him.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Lula P. Garner; siblings, Cecilia Green, Sally Watkins, and Robert Garner; and his son, Fernando Limus Herbin.

He is survived by his children, Bonita (George) White, Karen Garner, Marian Garner, and Kristi (Russ) Harper; step-children, Adrien Dubose and Nina Charlette Trotter; 14 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.