Memorial Day weekend is extra special for the Rev. William “Brother Willie” Garner, as it marks his 60-year anniversary in the ministry.

Nearly 48 of those years have been in and around Texarkana, serving in several capacities such as pastor for more than three decades at Cornerstone Baptist Church and interim minister at several area churches.

He is pastor emeritus at Cornerstone and continues to make hospital visits and serve where needed.

“I have never met anyone with more of a servant’s heart than him,” said the Rev. Norm Melton, who has served as pastor...