Jack Wade Garrett

Jack was born at home on April 4, 1929 in Rainsville, Alabama, on Sand Mountain, to Will and Bertha (Collake) Garrett. They were cotton farmers, and Jack, along with his three brothers and three sisters, learned many skills working on the farm.

Jack left school to join the U.S. Army, serving as part of the Occupation Force in Japan after World War II and later in the U.S. Air Force for the duration of the Korean War. He was deployed multiple times to Okinawa.

He leaves behind his dearly beloved wife of 76 years, Joan Garrett (nee Whatley). Together they raised four daughters, June (Alfred) Barrow, Theresa (Craig) Henry, Gina (Michael) LiCause, and Jackie (Wayne) Burtoft. They lived many years in Ohio, in retirement settled in Florida, but their favorite home was a mountain top cabin in Boone, North Carolina.

Jack loved hard work, loved handyman projects, and loved helping other people when he knew of a need. He could repair, install, or build almost anything. If he didn’t know how to do a project when he began, he learned as he went along.

He loved to laugh and make others laugh. His supply of jokes was endless. He was a born storyteller in true Southern style. Especially, he loved bluegrass mountain music. He was scrupulously frugal in his personal spending, but always generous in giving to church and charities.

Jack left his daughters, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren a very fine legacy. He sacrificed to provide for them. He taught them the value of honest hard work, the value of a dollar, the value of seeing this beautiful country, and the value of family.

He loved the Lord. He often cited the small church family in Akron, Ohio that welcomed his young family as being foundational for all of them. He said many times, “I’m the most blessed man that ever lived.” He counted his own blessings, and he never knew how many people counted him as a great blessing in their lives.

He died peacefully on July 30, 2026, age 97, deeply loved by his family.