Mr. Willie R. Garrett

Mr. Willie Russell Garrett was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Edgecombe County, in 1928, the son of Tammer Moore and Henrietta Garrett.  He lived with his mother and older sister, Katherine, in Rocky Mount until he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina at an early age to live with his grandparents. His mother and sister moved north to Washington, DC where his mother had a job opportunity. He later moved from Charlotte to Washington DC to join his mother and sister. At the age of 22 he was inducted into the Army. He served in the Army for 2 years during the Korean war, after which he returned to Washington, DC and began his post in the Army Reserve.

While in the Army Reserve, at age 26, he met and married Gertrude Whitmore in Takoma Park, MD on August 4th, 1954. The two lived in Washington, DC and became a family of five. Firstborn, a son Russell; next another son Reginald and finally a daughter Sandra. The family of five moved to Brooklyn, New York and continued to expand their family. Next, another daughter Deborah and finally another son Philip.   

Willie worked as a baker in New York City until his retirement from the renowned Juniors Restaurant. He and his wife Gertrude moved to Rhode Island to be with their eldest daughter and her young family. He became known as the asphalt farmer because of his NY roots and sharing the garden with his neighbors. They all then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where he became the best grandpa ever attending track meets, swim meets, clogging performances, dance recitals and more. He had his granddaughters, grandson and soon his first great grandson all just moments away. After several years of illness for Gertrude, he lost his beloved wife of 59 years in 2013. He lived with his eldest daughter, Sandra, until his death on September 12, 2021.

Willie Russell Garrett was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his sister. He is survived by his five children (and spouses) Russell E. Garrett, Reginald B. Garrett (Andrew), Sandra L. Garrett-Watson (Orvin), Deborah A. Garrett (Joe), and Philip J. Garrett (Joy). He is survived by his grandchildren (their spouses), Dwayne Sutton, Ashley Southerland (Gavin), Dana Southerland (Kris), Demetrius Garrett, Ray Garrett, Corey Garrett, Crystal Arrington and Orvin Watson Jr. As well, he is survived by his great grandsons Ismaeel Sutton, Kegan Logan and Reece Logan.

A virtual memorial service will be held for Willie Russell Garrett (via Zoom) on Saturday September 25th, 2021 at 11 am. EST

Join the Zoom meeting at: https://arizona.zoom.us/j/7858232989

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