Roger William Garrett, of Anderson, died on August 13, 2016, at St. Vincent Regional Hospital following a brief illness.
He was born on May 5, 1943, in St. John’s Hospital, Anderson to Cortell and Gwendola (Huffines) Garrett.
When his father entered military service during WWII, Roger and his mother lived first in Texas then in Hilham, TN, where Cortell joined them in 1945. Roger grew up alongside 3 siblings. A hard working boy he picked strawberries to earn money for a bicycle.
At age 12, his family moved to Moss Island Road in Anderson. Here Roger learned to play golf with a friend whose father made putting greens for them by putting cans in the ground. The boys spent hours playing golf on those makeshift greens. In 1961, he won a TV in his first tournament.
In 1961, Roger graduated from Madison Heights High School. At 23, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Montauk Air Force Base. While on leave, Roger met Doris Storey at his parents’ home. The two dated, then married September 2, 1967 at South Meridian Church of God.
Following discharge, he and Doris returned to Anderson where Roger became tool and die maker for Delco Remy. The couple moved to Hamilton County in 1972 to raise their family. There they built a house and lived until 2004. Roger retired from GM in 1995.
He worshiped at South Meridian from 1968 until his death. He had a lifelong love of golfing, bowling and travel. He and Doris traveled throughout the US and abroad. In later years, he played ping-pong and golf with his South Meridian friends. He also painted and took many photographs.
He is survived by his wife, Doris of Anderson; two sons, Kevin (Anne) and Eric also of Anderson; a sister, Betty (Steve) Patty; a brother, Jay (Nancy).
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Gary.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 3:00 pm – 7:00pm at South Meridian Church of God.
Services will be at 1:00pm on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at South Meridian Church of God, Rev. Ed Hyatt officiating. The internment will take place in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery with military rites.
Arrangements were made through Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service.
Contributions may be given to South Meridian Youth Endowment
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.