Warren Garrard, Jr. 92, passed away peacefully at his home on St. Simons Island, GA around 1 p.m. on February 2, 2016. His wife of 61 years, Dottie, and their Certified Nurse Assistant were with Warren when he took his last breaths and quietly departed. Warren suffered a massive stroke in 2002 and had 24/7 assistance at home since that time.
Mr. Garrard was born November 21, 1923 in Carrollton, Mississippi to Warren and Hattie Latham
Garrard. Warren graduated from Valley High School in Carroll County, Mississippi as Class Salutatorian
in 1941. Warren attended Holmes Junior College in Goodman, Mississippi where he graduated with a
two-year degree in 1943. Upon graduation from Holmes Junior College, Warren enlisted in the Army
where he served his country in New Guinea and the Philippines for three years during World War ll.
Warren was in a Sound Ranging Platoon and achieved the rank of T4 Sergeant before his Honorable
Discharge in 1946
Upon returning home, Warren enrolled in Mississippi State University to continue his education. While
at Mississippi State, Warren was President of the Ag Club and a member of Alpha Zeta.
Upon graduation from Mississippi State University in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural
Administration, Warren was hired by A.W. Moise of the Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, Missouri
and he began his career as a District Manager in Mayfield, Kentucky. During his 38 year career with the
Ralston Purina Company, Warren worked in several different capacities including District Manager and
then Poultry Marketing Staff Positions for the Southern Region, British West lndies, South America,
Western Region and then the National Poultry Chow Staff. Warren was also involved in the
establishment of Ralston Purina's integrated Poultry Operations and became Vice President of Ralston
Purina's Checkerboard Farms before his return to Thomasville, Georgia where he retired in 1986 as
District Manager for one of the countries largest Hog Chow Sales Districts at that time.
During his career with Ralston Purina Company, Warren was directly involved in many innovations
including working with Dr. Dale King of Auburn University, California Egg Producers and Ralston Purina
Scientists on the introduction of Caged Layers for Egg Production which is still an industry standard
today. In addition, while with Ralston Purina's Checkerboard Farms Warren commissioned the
Honeysuckle Brand for Turkeys that is still popular today.
Warren served in several National Leadership Roles in the Egg, Broiler and Turkey Industries from
production to processing to marketing to sales. Three of these positions were United Egg Producers
Board, National Broiler Council and the Poultry & Egg National Board.
ln the early years with Ralston Purina Company, Warren served as a personal assistant to the founder of
the company, William H. Danforth, and assisted Mr. Danforth with Grand Openings of Purina Feed Mills
in Macon, GA., Wilson, N.C., Guntersville, AL, Springdale, AR, Jackson, MS and Harrisburg, PA.
Throughout his career, Warren continued his education with continuing education courses at the
University of the Philippines, Texas A & M and Columbia University in New York.
Warren and his wife, Dottie, met when Dottie was a Hostess on the Gulf of Mobile & Ohio Railroad and
Warren was traveling by train as an executive with the Ralston Purina Company. Warren & Dottie
married on October 3, 1954 and Honeymooned on Sea lsland, GA at The Cloister where they were able
to return on October 3, 2O14 for their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
A memorial service is planned for Mr. Garrard at 3PM Friday, February 12, 2016 at Marshes Edge, St. Simons Island, GA.
A graveside service will take place at 2PM Saturday, February 6, 2016 in Woodlawn Cemetery in Grenada, MS. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home and is in charge of local arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com
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