Cecil Ernest (Redd) Garrett Sr.

“Redd” Garrett may be known to the community by his participation in many civic organizations: 3 term, Lt. Governor Optimist International; 2 term, President of Queen City Optimist Club; Board of Directors of The American Cancer Society; Chairman of Industrial Crusade of The American Cancer Society; Chairman of Industrial Education of American Cancer Society; 2 term, President of Charlotte Sales Club; Director Charlotte Sales and Marketing Executives; 2 term, Chairman of Charlotte Mail Users Council and member of The Executive Committee; member of Eastgate Masonic Lodge 32nd Degree and Shriner at Oasis Temple; member of Action Committee of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce; Charter member of The Charlotte Athletic Club; 5 year Superintendent Church School Holy Comforter (Park Rd) Vestry, Sr. Warren, and Stewardship Chairman Church of the Good Shepherd (York SC);

During the last 50 years with The Queen City Optimist Club, Redd has received virtually every award the Queen City can bestow upon a member. Projects include: New Club Building Chairman during the formation of at least 7 new Optimist Clubs in NC District and NC Central District; Chairman of the "Great Bike Giveaway", which has provided bicycles for as many as 500 needy children in the Charlotte area; assisted with the start up of the Optimist/Charlotte Police Inter-city Little League in 1968, which has grown to become the Police Athletic League (PAL) which now touches the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged inter-city youth annually; Chairman of the Optimist Soap Box Derby for 5 years during the time a derby track was built in Charlotte on Tyvola Rd. He has been engaged in virtually every “hands on" youth project sponsored by the Queen city optimist Club including Octagon Clubs, Oratorical Contests, Essay Contests, Bike Rodeo, Young Life, Junior Achievement, Kid's Repay, York Place-Children's Home. Countless youth in the Charlotte area have been impacted by Redd Garrett's participation and leadership. In most cases, he was the Chairman and/or motivator involving most members of the Queen City Optimist Club

Mr. Garrett is survived by his son C.E. “Chip” Garrett Jr., grandson, Sean Michael Garrett of Atlanta, GA, great grandson, Gage M. Horne-Garrett, daughter Celia Garrett Furr, Joan and Taylor Furr, nephew, Elmer Lee Garrett, , niece, Patricia Garrett Huffsticker, beloved great-nieces and nephews.

Redd gave so much to our community so the family asks that lieu of flowers, to contribute to an education fund of yet another youth starting out, his own grandson at REDD’S GRANDSON EDUCATION FUND at BB&T. or contact Anthony Wilkerson.

Redd’s final contribution was willing his body to medical science at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. Most didn’t know that he was a walking miracle and above all felt he had to try to help others by studying how he overcame so much.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Laurels and The Haven at Carolina Place and Pineville Rehab for their loving care and compassion.

An informal gathering for his family and friends will be at McEwen-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, on Monday, August 20th at 6:00pm.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.