Garrett, Roy Lee
12/16/1985
| Back in the 1930s in Pollock, LA, most people knew the Garret boys. Especially as teenagers they were quite a “feisty bunch.” Little did anyone suspect that James, Roy, and Troy would all become ministers. Roy Lee Garrett was born on October 11, 1918, the middle son of Fannie Nalley and James Tell Garrett. Roy’s dad answered the call to the ministry in his late forties, and his three sons would follow in his footsteps in their thirties. Even before entering the ministry, Roy’s life was an example of loving, caring service to others. This was exemplified by his heroic military record in World War II. He served four years in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific and received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and other recognition for bravery. Roy never spoke of his deeds, but other soldiers recounted to his family time and again how he risked his own life to save others. In 1946, Roy married Marguerite Wilder. Three years later, their only Linda was born. It was at this time that Roy, age 30, decided to answer his own Call. He packed up his wife, baby, and their few belongings to head for Centenary College. Before leaving town, however, Roy went to visit a his Sunday School class who had a very sick baby. He gave them $100 of the $800 he had served for tuition and living expenses at college. Acts like this characterize his whole life. Roy graduated from Centenary College in 1953 and completed his seminary at Emory University in 1957. He returned to Louisiana where he spent the remainder of his ministry until retirement in 1983. His pastorates include Milstead, GA, and the following Conference appointments: Horseshoe Drive UMC, Coushatta UMC, Jonesville-Harrisonburg, Davidson Memorial—Ivanhoe, St. Andrew UMC (N.0.), Zachary UMC, and Leesville-Holly Grove. Roy died on December 16, 1985, and the celebration of his life was held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston. In addition to both brothers, he is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Marguerite; his daughter Linda; and his pride and joy, grandsons Jeffrey and Christopher Simmons. |
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| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference, 1986; p. 279 By Linda Garrett Simmons | |
