He was born in Mitchell County, North Carolina to the late Jones and Geneva Garland.
J. D. served our country in the United States Navy retiring after 23 years of service. He worked as a Hospital Administrator in North Carolina and Arkansas. He later was employed with American Medical International opening new hospitals overseas in South America and the Middle East. J. D. was a lifelong farmer. He enjoyed taking care of his cattle, bush hogging and being on his farm equipment.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa Garland Eblen and two sisters, Anna Mae Broyles and Vista Gouge.
J. D. is survived by his wife of 60 years, Selma Garland; daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Joey Shaw; two grandchildren, Aidan and Hunter; son-in-law, John Eblen and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 pm on Friday, November 1, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Graveside services for J. D. will follow at 3 pm on Friday at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416 or www.hospiceofchattanooga.org
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.