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President John F. Kennedy speaks at the October 1963 dedication of Greers Ferry Dam. This event was one of the highlights of Garner’s career. Kennedy was assassinated Nov. 23, 1963. area, so Carl got the idea of using community spirit and volunteerism to get the job done. He collaborated with the Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River Association and other community and state leaders, attracted corporate sponsors, and worked countless hours to plan and promote the cleanup. The cleanup became an annual event, capped off by a picnic with big-name entertainers performing for the volunteers. The effort was so successful that it spawned the Great Arkansas Cleanup in 1979, which included all Corps of Engineers lakes in Arkansas and the Arkansas River. In 1984, using the Greers Ferry program as a model, Keep America Beautiful, Inc. initiated the first National Public Lands Day. The Senate approved a bill by U.S. Sen. Dale Bumpers in 1996 to rename the annual Federal Lands Cleanup Day in honor of Carl Garner. Bumpers said at the time, “Future generations will enjoy our nation’s public lands, and they should know that it was the vision and leadership of Carl Garner that were responsible for creating this national cleanup effort.” Spring 2012
The Sulphur Rock boy who was so bashful he had his brother read his valedictorian speech at high school graduation later became an able public speaker. When he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from AC in 1989, he gave a gracious acceptance speech that enumerated what he had learned at the college. Among them, he said, was that he had “learned how to learn,” “learned how to win and how to lose,” and “learned the meaning of dedication, truth, and courage.” “All of these,” he said, “have served as a foundation for building a career and a life that has been so rewarding and satisfying to me.” Carl and his lovely wife, Jean, live near Tumbling Shoals on the lake that he built. His office is filled with memorabilia, and his walls are covered with the many awards and tributes he has been given. He remains active at age 96 and attends many events at Lyon College. Carl and Jean enjoy photography, and Carl has hundreds of photos he has taken, including many beautiful fiery sunsets over the lake that he loves. 3