Garland Rivers of Shreveport, Louisiana went to be with his heavenly Father on August 28, 2026 at the age of 90. He was born in Zwolle, Louisiana on August 1, 1936, the 11th of 12 children of Henry and Emma Procell Rivers. His parents and siblings have all preceded him in death.
Garland married Mary Culver Rivers December 1, 1962, and they enjoyed 58 years together before her death. He said he had a wonderful woman that looked after him, and he thought they had a perfect marriage.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Sonia Cox (Patrick) of Benton, Louisiana, Joseph Rivers (Khristine) of Bossier City, Louisiana, and Wendy Southard (William) of Hosston, Louisiana, 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and another on the way. He was the favorite uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
Garland enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and served from 1955-1959 as a ground-to-air radio operator. He enjoyed his years in the Air Force and said he danced all over the world. After his honorable discharge, he lived in West Palm Beach, Florida where he worked as a short order cook. He moved back to Louisiana, went to trade school, and graduated as a Sheet Metal Mechanic. During those years, he also volunteered his time with the Boys Club of America and coached baseball. He spent the majority of his career at Industrial Roofing and Sheet Metal working large commercial jobs. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years hunting, fishing, and running the hounds.
He was an avid story teller, sharing stories of his life growing up and of his years in the Air Force. He was an excellent dancer and was never short of a partner. If anyone needed help, he gave, even of it was the last dollar he had. He loved being around his large family. He had a fiery temper, but he was a good and faithful husband, a strict but loving father, a devout Catholic who brought his family to Mass every week, and he knelt beside his bed to pray every night.
The family extends heartfelt appreciation to his caregivers at The Blake Assisted Living Facility and to the hospice staff at Passages who assisted him with his final care needs.
Garland wanted special thanks extended to his nephews, Sam Rivers, Jr., Lindsey Rivers, Leo “Chumpy” Rivers, Randolph Rivers, and Thomas Rivers. They would do anything for him and helped him enjoy his retirement years to the fullest.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 4, 2026 at 10:00 a. m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Cox, William Southard, Jr., Benjamin Rivers, Nathaniel Dillon, Patrick Cox, and William Southard, Sr.
Honorary pallbearers are Sam Rivers, Jr., Lindsey Rivers, Leo Rivers, Randolph Rivers, Thomas Rivers, and Alexander Dillon.
The family requests memorials be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church.
May the angels lead you into Paradise
May the Martyrs come to welcome you
and lead you to the holy city,
the new and eternal Jerusalem
May you have eternal rest.
