As a writer for the Atlanta Journal in 1968-81, Phil Garner graced its pages with his insight and ease of expression. As a news editor for CNN in 1982-2000, he was a unflappable newsroom gatekeeper with a much-admired way with words.
Said CNN's former chairman, Tom Johnson of Atlanta, "Phil's career exemplified excellence in journalism and public service. Those of us who worked with Phil at CNN will miss a wonderful colleague who always gave every assignment his very best."
Larry Woods of Clayton, a former CNN correspondent, called Mr. Garner a magnificent writer.
"I worked with him at the Atlanta Journal, Atlanta magazine and CNN," he said, "and there wasn't any kind of a story that he didn't cover well. He had tremendous range -- politics, human interest, the arts, science."
Philip Edward Garner died of cancer on Oct. 19 at Hospice Atlanta. He was 73. His memorial service is 2 p.m. Monday at the Cathedral of St. Philip's Mikell Chapel. Thomas Funeral Home in Calhoun is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations in his memory be made to the Calhoun/Gordon County Council for a Literate Community, P.O. Box 2290, Calhoun, Ga. 30703.
Mr. Garner was a deep thinker and a good listener, which made him a superior storyteller, Mr. Woods said. "And the people he interviewed, be they politicians or the public, found him to be totally fair and honest," he said.
For the Journal Mr. Garner wrote a column every other day. For CNN he constantly did rewrites of stories by the Associated Press and CNN's correspondents, whittling at their prose to fit the succinct CNN format.
Another CNN colleague, Kathryn Johnson of Atlanta said Mr. Garner was a superb editor who made everybody's copy better and much more interesting.
"Writing for CNN telecasts, you had to be terse," she said. "Phil could do that and still convey warmth and compassion."
Randy Harber of Atlanta, who worked with Mr. Garner both at the Journal and CNN, marveled at his composure in times of stress.
"Phil had qualities that were rare in a city room or a TV studio. Both can be pressure cookers, and yet Phil retained his gentlemanly manner and a poet's soul despite the constant tension of deadlines," he said.
Garner was born in Evansville, Ind., but, as the son of a Presbyterian minister, he moved around the South frequently as a child. He completed his undergraduate studies at Bethel (Tenn.) College and earned a master's degree at Emory University.
He served briefly as editor of Atlanta magazine between his stints at the Journal and CNN, and from time to time wrote freelance articles for national publications such as Esquire.
After retiring from CNN, Mr. Garner and his wife settled in a farm home outside Fairmount. Once there, he became interested in local affairs, which led to a successful campaign for a seat on the Gordon County Commission.
A multi-term member of that commission, Alvin Long of Calhoun, called Mr. Garner an outstanding public servant during his one term from 2005 through 2008.
"Phil was a real Southern gentleman, easy to work with, smart and dedicated to the people he served," Mr. Long said. "At this lower level of government, you have to deal with everything from barking dogs to pot-holed streets to growing our county the right way, and Phil was good at all of that."
Survivors include his wife, Patti Champion-Garner; a daughter, Julie Cable of Athens; a son, Philip Andrew Garner of Tucker; two sisters, Susan Holden and Beth Starkey, both of Buffalo, N.Y.; a brother, James Garner of Farmington, N.M., and two grandchildren.
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