Royce Ronald Garrett

Royce Ronald Garrett, 91, has been piped aboard to his new assignment. He arrived in Heaven on January 14, 2025, after a nine year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Royce was born in Greensboro to the late C. Frank Garrett and Fairy Greeson. He was pre-deceased by brother Donald F. Garrett and survived by his bride of 65 years, Mary Jo Caudle whom he first met in kindergarten. He was survived by son Larry R. Garrett and daughter-in-law Kristie Thomas and was “Papa” to grandsons Connor and Parker of Seattle, WA. Royce was also survived by his sister-in-law Jean Caudle of Greensboro as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Royce was a graduate of Greensboro Senior High School (1951) and Guilford College (1956) where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Minor in Physics. During high school and college Royce worked for School Pictures photography and installed TV Antennae which was a precursor to his love of Ham Radio.

He graduated from Coast Guard Officer Candidate School and from the US Naval Postgraduate school with a Master of Science in Management. He had additional studies at the National Defense University. He served over 30 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, received many military honors including three Meritorious Service Medals. Royce served on five ships, was Commanding Officer of three, including the Icebreaker Northwind which sailed “the poles,” Arctic and Antarctic. Sailors often wrote to him to express gratitude for his leadership.

As a young man Royce earned Eagle with Boy Scouts of America and Quartermaster with Sea Scouts. He was proud of his son and grandsons who also earned Eagle. Throughout his life he enjoyed sailing, camping, hunting, ham radio, wood carving, working on old cars such as T-birds, and was even a pilot. He never left things broken and was always “tinkering” on something at his workbench. Royce enjoyed RV travel with wife Jo especially to National Parks, and meeting grandsons in Yellowstone.

As Father to Larry, Royce spent many hours working on cars together and joined in scouting activities including a memorable canoe trip in Maine. He was so proud of Larry’s accomplishments and pleased to welcome Kristie to the family. One of Kristie’s favorite memories is that “Papa” gave great hugs. Royce was intentional about spending time with his grandsons. Before their visits he planned things to do and enjoyed fun times in the country through archery, marksmanship and walking in the woods. He wanted to share time with and encourage each of them.

During retirement, Royce was an observer for National Science Foundation and had a heart for helping others including the children impacted by Chernobyl, and the men of Potter’s House. As an active member of Annandale Methodist Church and West Market Street Methodist Church, Royce served in finance and missions.

To his very last day he had kind things to say about people and was always so grateful. Well done good and faithful servant. Fair winds and following seas.

A Remembrance Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 5 at West Market Street United Methodist Church, 302 West Market Street, Greensboro. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to Boy Scouts of America, scouting.org or Urban Ministries of Greensboro, greensborourbanministry.org

Fond memories may be shared at haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com