Richard Roddy “Rod” Garnier, Jr, cherished husband, father, son, and brother, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the age of 55.
Rod was born on Monday, November 24, 1969, in Centralia, the son of Richard “Dick” Garnier, Sr. and Cheri (Bright) Ellison. On February 8, 2002, Rod married the love of his life, Kristi Smith and she survives.
Rod lived his whole life in Centralia. His life’s journey began when he was younger and helped at his family’s Funeral Home, Garnier and Son’s Funeral Home, here in Centralia. After several years, he and his wife, Kristi owned and operated, Bogie’s on the Lake, for 15 years. Then from 2016 to 2020, he cooked and worked at the Centralia House and for the past 4 1/2 years, he worked for Midwest Farm and Land, Co. selling real estate.
Throughout Rod’s life, he had many passions, including hunting, fishing, playing golf, cooking, and working on cars, all of which he shared with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family. Rod lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Rod is survived by his beloved wife: Kristi Garnier of Centralia, his twin sons: Matthew Garnier and Hannah Fogerson and Andrew Garnier all of Centralia, who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his parents, Richard “Dick” Garnier and wife Debbie of Biloxi, Mississippi, and Cheri Ellison and husband Garry of Richview. He leaves behind a brother: Brian Bernard of Soulard, Missouri; two sisters, Michele Savage of Orlando, Florida, and Jessica Rivera of Odin, and his brother-in-law, Steve Smith of Sandoval.
He will be fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Rod in death were his grandparents: Ira J. Garnier, Jr. and Bernice L. “Bee” Garnier, John Bright and Iris (Corzine) Bright, and his father and mother-in-law, Leroy and Bessie Smith.
A Visitation in Honor of Rod will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Rod’s life, sharing memories and stories that highlight the remarkable man he was. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to his family and/or Six Lemons and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, which is Honored to be of Service to Rod’s Family during this difficult time. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
