Does an exemployee have to return company property? such as keys, garage door openers, uniforms?

Yes they do. If they do not, the employer could file a police report and or pursue legal action.

Of course. Why on earth would you think otherwise?

well an exemployee of mine won't return company property and I've been told it's a CIVIL matter and would have to handle it in court. Don't want to file a claim in Small Claim's court and lose

Yes, it is a civil matter.

No one can carve anything in stone. We have no magic 8 ball or crystal ball to guarantee you a win. But you have two choices; you can file in small claims court and maybe get your property back, or you can not file in small claims court and not get your property back.

Your choice.