William Bernard “Bill” Garrett, 86

Published 3:31 pm Tuesday, July 2, 2013

DALEVILLE, July 2 – William Bernard “Bill” Garrett, 86, of Daleville, died Thursday, June 27, 2013 at his home. He grew up on his parent's tobacco farm near Farmville. He was the only child of Willie Bernard Garrett and Lucy Francis Fulcher Garrett.

Mr. Garrett joined the Navy near the end of World War II on December 21, 1944. His wartime bride was Edna Virginia Adams. They were married March 6, 1945 until her death on April 2, 1968. During the time they were married, he joined the Soil Conservation service, a career which he enjoyed for the rest of his working life. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett resided in Nottoway County. The couple had a daughter, Elayne Garrett, who currently resides in Botetourt County with her husband, Morris Gill.

On December 27, 1968, Mr. Garrett married Betty Fain who was a home economics extension agent in Nottoway County. After the couple was settled in Botetourt County, Mrs. Garrett became a much beloved teacher at Craig County High school for many years. The couple had a son, William Bradley Garrett, who resides in Texas.

Mr. Garrett…Bill…to many of his Botetourt friends was always active in the Methodist church, a Sunday school teacher with a passion for innovative teaching. As an extension agent, he frequently gave presentations at the public schools and delighted in interactions with youth. He had many friends and his “poker nights” were well known about town. Many of you may remember him in his retirement job at Winn Dixie and then at Kroger in Daleville. He loved speaking with people, and with his great sense of humor would bring smiles to their days.

He delighted in the fact that both of his children are doctors, Elayne in education and Brad in medicine. One could not be around him for long without hearing him speak of his children with pride. Mr. Garrett leaves behind also a granddaughter, Sarah Rebeccah Hott of Winchester and two great-grandchildren, Zoe Layne Hott, aged three, and Isley Grace Hott, aged one. His favorite poem was ” The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost and these words do certainly apply to his life.

“Two roads diverged in a

wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the

difference”

A celebration of Mr. Garrett's life was held Sunday at St. Mark United Methodist Church, Daleville with Pastor Rob Lough officiating. Burial followed at Daleville Cemetery.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.rader-funeralhome.com. Rader Funeral Home, Daleville, was in charge of arrangements.