Thomas Garrett
Jan 14, 2044 – Dec 13, 2011
Thomas Alexander Garrett, Sr., 67, of Scottsville, VA, joined his heavenly Father on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. Tom was born January 14, 1944, in Williamsburg, Virginia to Thomas Clarke Garrett and Mary Carolyn Harris Garrett.
Tom earned a degree from the E. Claiborne Robins School of Business at the University of Louisa in 1966, where he was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He joined the National Guard, trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and served during the Vietnam War. Tom was a lifelong supporter of athletics at the University of Louisa and was an avid Spider fan. He had a great love for the outdoors. Tom enjoyed bird and fowl hunting and was an accomplished dog trainer and lover. He faithfully walked miles, with his dogs by his side, every morning for more than twenty years. He was an active member of the Louisa Rotary Club, and was always up for a game of bridge.
Tom was a man of great character, which made him successful in several lines of business. He enjoyed a career with Bethlehem Steel Corporation, while living in Atlanta, Georgia and Signal Mountain, Tennessee. After retiring from Bethlehem Steel, he and his family returned to Louisa County, Virginia where he enjoyed a second career in Real Estate, specializing in farms, antique properties, and rural estates of Central Virginia.
Members of Gilboa Christian Church, the Garretts regularly attended Louisa United Methodist Church and Scottsville United Methodist Church, as well.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife Lois T. Garrett, his daughter Paige Garrett Delbridge and her husband Dudley Delbridge, his son Senator-elect Thomas Alexander Garrett, Jr., and Dana Garrett, his brother Frank C. Garrett and his wife Georgia Garrett, and his grandchildren Carolyn Garrett, Abigail Delbridge, Emma Delbridge, Laura Garrett, Rett Delbridge, Ian Delbridge and Luke Delbridge. He is also survived by his nephews Dr. Clarke Garrett, Randy Troutman, and Chris Troutman, and nieces Suzanne G. Ryder, and Linda T. Zellows and many in his extended family.
Visitation with his family will be held on Friday, December 16, 3pm to 6pm, at Louisa United Methodist Church, in the Town of Louisa. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, December 17, at the Louisa United Methodist Church, at 11 am. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, west of the Town of Louisa.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Tom’s honor to Louisa Young Life, P. O. Box 1990 Louisa, VA 23093 or to Gilboa Christian Church, Rebuilding Fund, c/o Joe Leslie, 30 Ebenezer Road, Mineral VA 23117.
Lois, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will be in touch.Janet Stargell
Remember him with laughter and smiles. The joy and the love you all had for him. What is it to die, but to free the breath from it`s restless tide, to rise and seek God unencumbered. For when you climb the mountian top, then you will truly dance.Hopefully he is dancing with those who have gone before him.
Tom Garrett was a dear friend of mine. Though I did not see or speak with him often, when we did get the chance to catch up” he always spoke of his children and of how proud he was of each of them. He and I enjoyed golf and often talked of our continuing “difficulties” and of our mutual love for the game. I was shocked to learn of his death and am very saddened by his passing. He left us much too soon… yet he left us with solid memories of his strong character unwavering belief in God and his lifelong love for his country. Rest in peace my dear friend… you`ve earned your heavenly reward. I extend my most sincere condolences to his lovely wife and to his entire family.Col. Bill Billingsley”
Fond memories of Tom as we walked the fields we could find in counties adjacent to Louisa looking for quail. It`s a good memory of an old friend
Lois & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.Gene & Hilda
Though two years behind me at UR, I remember Tom as one fine man of great character. I am certain that he will be missed by family and friends.I am sorry for your loss. I am sure it is all the more difficult at this time of year.God`s Blessings be with you.George
Tom was a good friend and such a good man. He`ll be missed.PergeMotor
My thoughts and prayers reach out to your family and friends. May God`s love and peace be with you during this time of sorrow.
To Lois and the Garrett family…Having grown up with Tom Tommy at Westhampton Baptist Church for many years, I wanted to extend my deepest regrets for your loss and for not being able to re-connect with him many years ago. Tommy and I would spend hours at church under the trees between Sunday School and Morning Services on St. Christopher`s Road talking as young boys and teens doabout every possible subject. He would refer to his Mom as a good egg”…an endearment which we all respected just as we did her. I will miss his laughter and friendship. My best to all of you as you say goodbye today.Tom Yeaman”
I am truly sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all at this time. I wish I could be there to give you a hug, Paige. Love you!
Tom and Family… deepest sympathy from our family to yours for the loss of your Dad. I know how much my father means to me and I can only imagine how you feel, but please know that even though I can`t be there today, you and your family are in our thoughts as you face this difficult day. Our prayer is that God watch over you all and give you peace… Matt
Tom and Paige and the family:My heart and prayers go out to you during this time. Remember that God does not let death have the final say over us. He invites us into eternal life with Him through the provision of Jesus Christ, who died and came back to life so that we might be saved by the grace of God.May the love of family and friends ease your grief.With sincerest condolences,Susan Lascolette
We have lost a real Spider. I enjoyed working with him on the Spider Club Board and he was always willing to help. We will certainly miss him, and we will keep you in our prayers.
Lois and family of Tom: Lynn and I send out thoughts and prayers to each of you. Tom was one of the most caring and supportive people I have ever known. From his TJ years, his friendship with Kenny Gray, his love of UR, and most importantly his love for his family,Tom was very special.Tom was and is a true Brother of Phi Gamma Delta.
Lois and Family I am so saddened to just now read about Tom. I would certainly have been there had I known.We all go back along way from the Atlanta days-great memories.When I recently saw young Tom`s name as Senator elect, I wondered if it might be your Tom.
Lois, It has been many years since we all departed Bethlehem, PA to begin our careers in 1967. I am very sorry to hear about Tom`s passing and my prayers are with you and your family. I lost Anna Maria 10 years ago. I regret that as we departed for our assignments to begin our careers, the realities of life seem to have us move on and lose touch. I hope your fond memories of your life with Tom will comfort you. Sincerely, John
Dear Lois and Family,Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.I will talk to you soon, dear friend.Love, Susan Scholl
Lois and family, it has been a long time but I think of you often. Living part time in Florida and Stone Harbor, near Tom Keown, a family friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have many fond memories with you and Tom. Our love to you and your family. Gloria and Michael Bolton
So sorry to hear of your loss.