Garner Isaac Shannon, Jr., of Belzoni, passed away Monday, February 13. 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital Yazoo in Yazoo City.

He was born on May 11, 1933, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to G I Shannon, Sr. and Marion Foster Shannon. Garner grew up in Belzoni where he earned the rank Eagle Scout, enjoyed boxing, and then graduated from Belzoni High School in 1951. He went on to graduate from Mississippi State University in 1955 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Garner then served in the US Army for 2 years where he stationed in Germany in the 553 ^rd Field Artillery Battalion.

Garner was a highly skilled and intelligent man and always did his absolute best at whatever work he was given to do. He had Shannon Engineering and Construction Incorporated for 60 years before his retirement. Garner was exacting with his crew, but he really cared for and appreciated the men who worked for him.

Garner loved crossword puzzles, playing Hearts on the iPad, and watching the weather and the market. He was a great storyteller and had a very unique way, through many rabbit trails, of telling the most interesting tales. He also had a generous heart. During his many years of travelling to jobsites, he either fed or rescued nearly every dog he passed. Garner never met a dog he didn't like.

Garner was proud of his family and loved them very much. He is survived by his wife, Toni Shannon; daughters, Kelli Smallwood of Forest, Julie and Tracy Lang of Brandon, Amy and Cole DeLong of Madison, Mari Fran and Jay Burton of New Braunfels, Texas and Lynn James of Belzoni; granddaughter, Mary Shannon Lang; grandsons, Cade Usry, Harrison and Annabelle Lang, and Justin and Mason Smallwood, who Garner and Toni raised as a son; and two great granddaughters. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Jeanne Shannon; and grandson, Taylor DeLong.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 17, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Belzoni from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral service. Rev. Richard Wiman will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Belzoni Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

Any donations or memorials can be made to B.A.R.K. (Belzoni Animal Rescue Kennel) at P O Box 1015, Belzoni, MS 39038, the Belzoni Cemetery Association at 506 Sharkey St, Belzoni, MS 39038, or Hydrocephalus Association, 4340 East West Hwy, Ste. 905, Bethesda, MD 20814.