Ernest Garnto, 92

Mr. Ernest Crawford Garnto, Jr., 92, of Kite, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at PruittHealth following an extended illness. Funeral services were held Sunday, February 9, at 2 p.m. at Rehoboth Baptist Church with Reverend Chad Drew officiating. Interment followed at Rehoboth Baptist Church Cemetery. Family received friends Sunday, February 9, one hour prior to services.

Pallbearers were Dale Brantley, Kevin Brantley, Samson Garnto, Jason Lee, Bryson Rowland and Heath Palmer. Honorary pallbearers were Kite City Officials and the Kite Volunteer Fire Department.

Ernest was born June 17, 1932, in Kite, to Ernest C. Garnto, Sr. and Daisy Mae Greenway Garnto. He started pulp wooding at age 17 and drove eighteen wheelers for 45 years of his life. Ernest was a police officer in Kite, Toomsboro, East Dublin and Wrightsville. He was also a Johnson County bus driver for 23 years. Ernest served as mayor for the City of Kite as well as a councilman for many years. He was a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church in Kite. Mr. Garnto is preceded in death by his parents; son, Ernie Garnto; grandson, Cameron Garnto; and brother, Bobby Garnto.

Mr. Garnto 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 and Shane Hobbs (Emily) of Hahira; sister, Carolyn Williams of Kite; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.