John Arthur Renner

COLUMBIA - Major General John Arthur Renner, United States Army (retired), former Commanding General of Fort Jackson, went to be with the Lord on January 6, 2011 after living a full life of faith, courage and perseverance. Throughout his life, and in every way, he embodied the 1st division motto 'Duty First.' John was a very special man who led a splendid life of service to God, his country and his family. All those who knew and loved John believe that he will be greeted by our Heavenly Father with the words 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'

John was born in Phoenix, Arizona on June 21, 1940, the son of Mary Elizabeth and Welmon Oswald Renner. He grew up in Glendale, Arizona where he was a star athlete and scholar in his high school days. He attended the University of Arizona on a football scholarship, playing tight end for the Arizona Wildcats. At the university he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. John met his beautiful wife of 50 years, Mary Lou Doolen, at a fraternity/sorority mixer and the two were married the day after their college graduation. John was commissioned in the Army in 1962 through the ROTC program and went on to an outstanding military career.

John's Army career spanned three decades. He earned his Parachutist Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and Ranger tab at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1962, and was then stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii where both of his daughters were born.

He served two tours in Vietnam, first as a Company Commander with the 25th Division in CuChi, and then as a district senior advisor in the Mekong Delta. His distinguished career included several notable assignments such as Commanding General of the United States Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, Deputy Commander of Allied Land Forces for Southeastern Europe in Izmir, Turkey, Assistant Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division Forward in Germany, Brigade Commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and Battalion commander for the 1st of the 51st Infantry in Germany.

John's many decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star with a V device, two Purple Hearts, the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

John and Mary Lou fell in love with Columbia, South Carolina, during John's tour as Commanding General of Fort Jackson. They decided to retire to Columbia in 1994 to make the city their home. Though retired, John continued working by volunteering in the community he so loved. His community service work included service on the Salvation Army Board of Directors; counseling and mentoring homeless men in the Salvation Army Uplifting Life Program; membership on the South Carolina State Museum Board, service on the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee; service on the Richland II Schools Budget Review Committee; service as Chairman of the Ft. Jackson Retiree Council; and loyal membership in the Spring Valley Rotary Club.

John was active in the Northeast Presbyterian Church where he had served as a Deacon and attended weekly the Upper Room men's bible study group. He belonged to the Good News Sunday School Class.

John was an avid tennis player and golfer. He enjoyed competing on the Wildwood Tennis Team and played golf weekly with his regular foursome. John also enjoyed quietly reading by his fireplace and fishing in the lake behind his home.

In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to celebrate and honor John's life are encouraged to give to the charity of their choice. The Spring Valley Rotary Club Gift of Life was one of John's favorite causes as was the Salvation Army Uplifting Life Program.

John is survived by his wife Mary Lou Doolen Renner, his first daughter Heather Mary Ligon and her husband Col. John Robert Ligon, his second daughter Renner Jo Eberlein and her husband Capt. Scott Allen Eberlein, his one and only grandson John Clayton Ligon, his mother Mary Elizabeth Renner, his brother George Richard Renner and George's wife Linda.

A funeral service will be held at Northeast Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 14th, at 1:30 in the afternoon. John's family members will be receiving guests from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. John's burial service will take place in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 3:00 in the afternoon. Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel is assisting the family.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.