James Duane Garrett

He was the husband of Sarah Bennett Garrett, wife of 65 years. Born on February 2, 1928, in Chattanooga, TN, he was the son of Josiah Duane (JD) Garrett and Gladys Marshall Garrett.

Duane and his younger brother, Julius Marshall Garrett, grew up in Chattanooga with a brief time living in Decatur, Alabama. He was always proud of achieving Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology as an electrical engineer in 1952. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he served as secretary, treasurer, and president. He was actively involved in Army ROTC, YMCA Cabinet, Phi Eta Sigma, and Alpha Phi Omega. Upon graduation and completion of the Cooperative Program with General Electric, Duane started work at GE which moved him around to Evandale, OH, Philadelphia, PA, Fort Wayne, IN, Cleveland, OH, Ashland, MA, Marblehead, MA, Asheboro, NC, Syracuse, NY and finally to Lynchburg. He served in the Korean War in the Army Signal Corps where he received the Bronze Star for his service. Duane met the love of his life, Sarah Ella Bennett, while working in Asheboro, NC in 1954 and got married in Asheboro, NC on March 27, 1955. Duane retired from GE in 1987 after 35 years.

Duane was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed greatly. He was an active member at Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church since joining in 1960 where he served as elder, served on Missions committee, Communications Committee, Witness/Outreach Committee, and the coordinator of the Foundation for the Future. He was also a member of a men’s group called the ROMEOs who would fix things around the church. Duane continued to help out the church until 3 years ago. Since both of his children were year-around swimmers, Duane and Sarah drove their children to swim meets across the State of Virginia and he was often found working as clerk of course at the swim meets. While Duane may have graduated from Georgia Tech, his heart was with University of Virginia. He loved watching UVA sports, especially football, basketball, and baseball. For a number of years, Duane and Sarah held season tickets for the UVA women’s basketball team. Duane was also very active in the Lynchburg Stamp Club, and was actively involved in getting a stamp issued when the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA was dedicated.

Duane is predeceased by his brother, Julius Marshall Garrett, and his grandson, Marshall Rustin Garrett.

Duane is survived by his wife, Sarah, his daughter and son-in-law, Ruth and Davis Kirby of Huddleston, VA, his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Anne Garrett of Charlotte, NC, his grandchildren, Joseph Duane Elliott and wife, Marcia, of Radford, VA, Michael LeGrande Elliott and wife, Ashley, of Richmond, VA, and Alexander James Garrett and Nancy Elizabeth Garrett, both of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Brock Lewis Elliott and Mila Marie Elliott of Radford, VA. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Garrett of Birmingham, AL and his brother-in-law and his wife, Alex and Linda Bennett.

A graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 9, 2020 at Fort Hill Memorial Park, with the Rev. Nancy Dawson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5810 Fort Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24502, or a charity of your choice.

To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.

Whitten Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Timberlake Chapel is serving the family.