Porter H. Garrett

The car keys have all been collected and the front gate to the lot has been locked for the last time as we announce the passing of Porter Howard Garrett of Muncie, a true titan of the local used automotive industry, at the age of 85. Porter entered his eternal home to be reunited with loved ones on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, following an extended battle with neurodegenerative disease.

Porter, the youngest of 4 siblings, was born October 22, 1940, on a farm along the beautiful Wolf River in Pickett County, Tennessee, in an area known as Red Hill, outside the town of Byrdstown. There, he learned all the daily chores of farm life and developed the strong work ethic that made him successful in business. When not working in his father’s garden or tending to the family’s cattle, Porter would be playing in the creek; fishing in the river with his brother, Ray; or roaming the surrounding hills with his rifle, hunting squirrels and rabbits.

Porter attended school in the one room Red Hill School House and attended Red Hill Church. Tragically, Porter lost his mother to cancer when he was just 7 years old.

Porter moved to Muncie, Indiana in 1960 where he became employed at Ontario Systems before joining his brother Ray, as co-owner of Garrett Auto Sales, which celebrated 61 years in business before its closure in 2021.

Porter specialized in clean, late model used cars, most fully loaded with options and still covered under factory warranty. Porter and Ray quickly earned a solid reputation in the car business and developed many lifelong customers and business relationships with other dealers and auto auctions in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. In the business’ prime, Porter and Ray traveled extensively and racked up a lot of miles between Indiana and Tennessee. In his younger days, Porter was known for moving and showcasing a lot of American muscle cars, including Corvettes, Trans Ams, Camaros and his favorite, the GTO Judge.

The car business became Porter’s life and a true family affair, employing nearly every member of his family and extended family at some time or another. The car dealership became a social hub for large family holiday dinners and a venue for daily visitors and “regulars” that stopped in for the free coffee and conversation, as well as a gathering place for many well-known car dealers in the region for weekend card games. Porter would often be seen by passersby, opening and closing the gates of his beloved car lot.

At home, Porter was very close to his family. He enjoyed working in his garden, keeping ducks and chickens on the farm, and preparing the most delicious corn cakes and chocolate gravy you’ve ever tasted. He loved sweets, desserts, and candies. He also loved watching “Walker, Texas Ranger” and Westerns, with his favorites being “Bonanza, “Gunsmoke,” “Laramie,” and the “Rifleman”; as well as all Clint Eastwood and Elvis movies, with his favorite Elvis movie being “Viva Las Vegas” starring Ann-Margaret.

Porter is survived by his sister-in-law, Marveline Garrett; special nieces: Connie Garrett, Pamela Porter, and Cindy Linn (Scott); special great-niece: Jessica Foust Caldwell (Ryan); special great-nephew: David Ray Smith (father Dave Smith); two special great-great-nephews: Garrett and Lucas Caldwell; as well as many other nieces and nephews, cousins, former employees, former business friends, and many loyal customers. Porter was blessed with many amazing friends in every chapter of his life. While there are too many to mention here, they meant the world to Porter and enriched his life greatly. We are grateful for the revolving door of friends that visited Porter at the lot for a quick game of cards, or that brought him gifts, food, or candy.

Porter is preceded in death by his parents, Dennie Garrett and Pearl Flowers; siblings: Randal Garrett (Betty), Ray Garrett; Betty Jennings (Fred), and an infant brother; nieces: Martha Jennings, Judy Wilkey, Patricia (Jane) Marier, and Faye Gluff; nephew-in-laws: Brad Foust, Gary Porter, and Jeff Linn.

Porter’s family would like to extend a warm thank you of gratitude to Porter’s caregivers in long-term care. We sincerely appreciate all of your efforts in giving Porter end of life care and appreciate your tributes to him online.

While Porter has made his final sale, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, laughter, and an impressive inventory of memories.

“See you later, Babe!”

Friends and family may call on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Elm Ridge Funeral Home in Muncie. Funeral to follow at 1:00 PM at Elm Ridge, officiated by Pastor William Spencer.

Dinner to follow funeral at New Hope Church in Muncie. Everyone welcome!

New Hope Church

2720 S. Apache Pass

Muncie, Indiana 47302