Official Obituary of
Dennis C. Garrett
January 7, 2024
Dennis Garrett Obituary
Dennis C. Garrett, 94, of Blackstone, VA, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Ann Maitland and Ben Allen Garrett; his beloved wife of 62 years, Elsie Barnard Garrett; six siblings; and his beloved cat, Bootsy. He is survived by his sons, Douglas Garrett (Mary Scott) and Michael Garrett, and one daughter, Stephanie Giuliani (Frank); his grandchildren, Lauren McCormick, Jon Garrett, and Brandi Fielding; and his great grandchildren, Christopher and Molly McCormick and Beckett Fielding, with Sloane Fielding on the way; and his sister-in-law, Judy Springston.
After graduating from Smith Deal-Massey Business College, Dennis worked for the Virginia State Highway Department and the Guano Company before working his way up to Executive V.P. of Epes Transport. In 1977, he and Elsie relocated to Durham, NC, when Dennis was promoted at Epes Transport. After retiring from Epes, he went on to sell insurance and real estate and become a sales executive for J.C. Penney men’s suit department.
In 1993, Dennis and Elsie built and moved into the house of their dreams back in Blackstone, VA. In his hometown of Blackstone, VA, he was an avid choir member, church treasurer, and Sunday School teacher at Grace Methodist Church. He served his hometown community as Secretary and Treasurer of the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years. Together, Dennis and Elsie attended and enjoyed supporting the majority of the Midlothian high school girls basketball games, coached by their son, beside their best friends and companions, Gladys and Bill Drinkwater, who were also his sister and brother-in-law. They also enjoyed traveling with them every chance they could, especially to the beach.
Dennis always enjoyed bird hunting with Dr. Epes Harris and best friend, Raymond Adams. His love for animals only grew over the years with many hunting dogs, who turned into inside pets. His last, most beloved pet was his kitty, Bootsy.
While hard working, Dennis enjoyed laughter and life to the fullest. He was able to stay at his wonderful home until 94 years of age, only with the assistance of his “Buddy” Bryan Lewis. And his last year and a half was lovingly cared for by wonderful lady caregivers, Angie Armes, Maureen Story, Donna Bowman, Gene Clare, and the ringleader, Betty Wyatt.
Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 1705 Cox Rd., Wilsons, Va 23894, with burial in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church or the Anderson County Humane Society, 407 Pearman Dairy Rd., Anderson, SC 29625. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com
SERVICES
After graduating from Smith Deal-Massey Business College, Dennis worked for the Virginia State Highway Department and the Guano Company before working his way up to Executive V.P. of Epes Transport. In 1977, he and Elsie relocated to Durham, NC, when Dennis was promoted at Epes Transport. After retiring from Epes, he went on to sell insurance and real estate and become a sales executive for J.C. Penney men’s suit department.
In 1993, Dennis and Elsie built and moved into the house of their dreams back in Blackstone, VA. In his hometown of Blackstone, VA, he was an avid choir member, church treasurer, and Sunday School teacher at Grace Methodist Church. He served his hometown community as Secretary and Treasurer of the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years. Together, Dennis and Elsie attended and enjoyed supporting the majority of the Midlothian high school girls basketball games, coached by their son, beside their best friends and companions, Gladys and Bill Drinkwater, who were also his sister and brother-in-law. They also enjoyed traveling with them every chance they could, especially to the beach.
Dennis always enjoyed bird hunting with Dr. Epes Harris and best friend, Raymond Adams. His love for animals only grew over the years with many hunting dogs, who turned into inside pets. His last, most beloved pet was his kitty, Bootsy.
While hard working, Dennis enjoyed laughter and life to the fullest. He was able to stay at his wonderful home until 94 years of age, only with the assistance of his “Buddy” Bryan Lewis. And his last year and a half was lovingly cared for by wonderful lady caregivers, Angie Armes, Maureen Story, Donna Bowman, Gene Clare, and the ringleader, Betty Wyatt.
Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 1705 Cox Rd., Wilsons, Va 23894, with burial in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church or the Anderson County Humane Society, 407 Pearman Dairy Rd., Anderson, SC 29625. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com
SERVICES
Visitation
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Joseph McMillian Funeral Homes & Crematory- Blackstone Chapel
1826 COX ROAD BLACKSTONE VIRGINIA 23824
BLACKSTONE, VA 23824
Funeral Service
Thursday, January 18, 2024
1:00 PM
Grace United Methodist Church
1705 Cox Road
Wilsons, VA 23894
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Services
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