Obituary of Art H. Garrett

Arthur H., “Art” Garrett, 66, passed away unexpectedly November 14th. He was preceded in death by parents Hollis and Erlene Garrett, and his brother Roger (Jean) Garrett. He is survived by his wife Lynn (Wilkinson) Garrett, daughters Tracy (Allan) Shook, Kelly (Jimmy) Adkins, Ashley Garrett, son Jason (Stephanie) Garrett, granddaughters Madison and Emily Shook, who were his greatest joy, brother Bill Garrett, sister Gayle (Daryl) Ely, nieces, nephews, many special friends, and grand-dogs Daisy and Molly. One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints. This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow, or defeat, I could only see one set of footprints. So I said to the Lord; “You promised me, Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?” The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.” The name “Art” means “noble, courageous, outstanding warrior, and champion”. There were many times Art carried friends and family through difficult times, and there were many times that they carried him. Art may have been small in stature, but he had the personality and heart of a giant. He was larger than life. He knew a lot of people and kept a tight inner circle of family and friends. Art was extremely loyal and protective. Those who were a part of his inner circle were friends for life. He stood by and battled for those he loved. One of the many endearing qualities that Art possessed was that he would be the first person to laugh or poke fun at himself. He loved a good laugh and he was quite the comedian, both through spoken word and actions. Art had an infectious belly laugh—and when he laughed, everyone followed suit. There were many times those in his presence laughed so hard they had tears running down their faces. Art would go on the most epic rants—they were the stuff of legend. He could talk for hours on any given topic—politics, current events, and The Cleveland Browns were among a few of his favorites. He was always up to date on what was going on in the world. Art was about creating memories and he was always very young at heart. He was quite the charmer and schmoozer, liked all the ladies, and they loved him back! Art enjoyed building fires in the fireplace. He loved taking his kids and grandkids to the Amish Country. Amish Country was a getaway for him, a way to unwind and relax. Art loved how quiet and peaceful it was there. He also spoke very fondly of Tennessee and how he spent time there as a child with his Grandma. Art enjoyed the holiday season, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. He enjoyed sitting on the back porch in his rocking chair, especially when it was raining, or he’d do it late at night, so he could feel the nighttime breeze and hear the wind rustle through the trees. He loved to sing gospel hymns and Elvis Presley songs. “And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain My friend, I'll say it clear I'll state my case, of which I'm certain I've lived a life that's full I've traveled each and every highway But more, much more than this I did it my way Regrets, I've had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do And saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this I did it my way Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all and I stood tall And did it my way I've loved, I've laughed and cried I've had my fill my share of losing And now, as tears subside I find it all so amusing To think I did all that And may I say - not in a shy way Oh no, oh no, not me I did it my way For what is a man, what has he got If not himself, then he has naught To say the things he truly feels And not the words of one who kneels The record shows I took the blows And did it my way Yes, it was my way” A private service was held, and a celebration of Art’s Life will take place at a later date. Please make any memorial contributions to the family in care of the funeral home (Anthony Funeral Homes, FALLS CHAPEL, 330.928.1313).