Samuel J. Garrett was born in Jacksonville, Florida, 1935. He graduated as valedictorian and president of his class at Jackson High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Botka, on June 8, 1956.
Sam graduated from the University of Florida with high honors in 1957. Sam and Betty moved to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania for Sam to work on his doctorate degree in electrical engineering, while Betty had their first child, Cheryl in 1957. Sam received his doctorate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1963, while working for Westinghouse Research.
The young family then moved to St Petersburg, Florida for Sam to accept a position at Honeywell Aerospace Company and also teach at the Bay Borough Campus.
In 1968, Sam became a professor of electrical engineering at the University of South Florida, retiring after 32 years.
He was a consultant during this time for Unilens in Largo, where he worked for many years and was instrumental in designing their optical lenses.
Betty and Sam were blessed with three children; Cheryl Pepper, Brad Garrett (daughter-in-law Tina Ciatto), and Christee Bailey. Eight precious grandchildren are Keenan, Madeline and Logan Pepper, Luther Garrett (granddaughter-in-law Amanda Shumake), Melanie Garrett; Bradford and Christopher Bailey. Cherished great grandchildren are Sadie, Elsie, and Shelby Garrett.
Betty and Sam traveled most of the world, camping and starting with cruises in the early fifties that were initially Navy ships, such as the Yarmouth, to enjoying the luxury of the modern mega ships.
Betty and Sam celebrated many wonderful years and anniversaries with their loving devoted family which made their lives complete.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 304 Druid Hills Road, Temple Terrace, Florida 33617.
Interment at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park will be private.
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