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Thomas Garrett Obituary
Suffolk - After a courageous battle with cancer and a stroke, Thomas "Tom" R. Garrett, 63, of Cuttysark Ln. in Suffolk, was called home to be with the Lord on February 18, 2014. Tom touched the lives of many people with his smile and kindness and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.
A native of Portsmouth, he was the son of the late Maynard W. and Shirley J. Garrett. A member of Community Church at Western Branch, he was a retired Portsmouth School administrator and adjunct instructor at Old Dominion University. A noted local sports historian, he was the author of four books on sports in Hampton Roads area. An avid fan of Old Dominion University sports you could count on seeing him at Monarch football, basketball or other sporting events. He held membership in the Portsmouth Sports Club, Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Society for American Baseball Research and it's Jerry Malloy Negro League Committee Leadership Team, and the Friends of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 41 yrs., Carol Duvall Garrett; a son, Andrew H. Garrett and wife Jenna; a grandson, Elisha Gideon Garrett; a brother and sister-in-law, Jan and Elinor Heermans; a niece, Kathleen Howell and husband Brian, special cousins, John H. James, Janice Maw, Frank Borum and John Borum, Rachel Chinn; and his brothers and sisters in Christ, the Darden and Legg Community Groups of Community Church at Western Branch.
A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 22, at Community Church at Western Branch. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hope Unleashed Fund of Community Church at Western Branch, or a Christian charity of your choice.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Garrett
Donna Stewart
February 26, 2014
I worked with Tom for many years. I was his secretary when he ran the work-study program for handicapped children at the Clark Center. Tom and I followed Carroll Bailey when he became director of Special Education. He never stopped with his humor. So many stories I treasure of him. I will always remember Tom. Let us not ever forget how he made us laugh. How he was always there when we needed him. He was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He loved them dearly and spoke of them often. Good bye my dear friend. I know you will live on in many, many hearts. We are "just a breath away from where you are."
A death has occurred and everything has changed by this event.
We are painfully aware that life can never be the same again, that yesterday is over, that relationships once rich have ended,.
But there is another way to look upon this truth.
If life went on the same without the presence of the one who has died we could only conclude that the life we here remember made no contribution, filled no space, meant nothing.
The fact that this individual left behind a place that cannot be filled is a high tribute to this individual.
Life can be the same after a trinket has been lost but never after the loss of a treasure.
Rev. Dr. Paul Irion
February 23, 2014
I will miss seeing Tom at the ODU games. He always had a smile on his face and kind word to say no matter what he was going through. He was a truly gracious man who touched many. My condolences to Carol and his family during this difficult time.
Bob Mayer
February 23, 2014
I first spoke with Tom prior to the Negro League Conference in 2007, and he convinced me to speak there. He was a fine man and he did wonderful work with the Gravestone project. He will be missed
Barbara Bates
February 22, 2014
Tom was an inspiration to everyone he met. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Rest in the hope and peace that you will be with him again one day and what a glorious day that will be!
Frank & Vicki Decker
February 21, 2014
We are saddened to hear of Tom's passing and our prayers go out to Carol, Andrew, and the rest of the family. Tom and Carol introduced us on a blind date in 1980 and we've been married 32 years. We will always remember Tom's infectious sense of humor and his compassionate heart, especially for those whom he served in special education.
February 21, 2014
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. He was a great man.
Joan Rountree
February 21, 2014
My prayers go out to the Garrett Family. God says He will never leave you or forsake you and we know His word is true. God bless you.
Jo Ellen Morell
February 21, 2014
Dear Garrett Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a lovely man, so kind and giving. He was a terrific guy at ODU when we first met in school and his wonderful qualities never left him. Our thoughts are with you all. Tom will live on in our hearts.
Lee Stroud
February 20, 2014
I send my most heartfelt condolences to Carol and the Garrett family. I remember Tom as a Special Education teacher, supervisor, and administrator. I loved him for his good humor, open, accurate assessment of children and staff, love of teaching, and his dedication to helping others. I admired his focus and accomplishment in his retirement, but his sense of humor is what endeared him to all. After talking with Tom, you always left feeling good. I used Tom as a source of good jokes on my poker nights, and he always delivered. I miss him.
Two friends enjoying our team
Louis Martinette
February 20, 2014
There are many wonderful and good things that Tom's many friends can and have said and they would all true. He was a devoted husband and father, a committed teacher, a wonderful friend, and I could go on. But simply put, Tom has always been the nicest and most sincere person I have had the honor to call a friend. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Sharon Hairfield Warren
February 20, 2014
Tom was one of the very first people I met when I came into the field of special education. He was a mentor and friend throughout my career. He has touched the lives of so many, both staff and students. His quick smile and good humor will be missed.
February 20, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go to the Garrett family. Tom was one great man that could keep you smiling. I was lucky to have worked with Tom for many years with PPS, he will greatly be missed.
Karen Austin
Dick Clark
February 20, 2014
Tom was one of the finest gentleman I' ve known and always a lot of fun when we got together. He will be missed. Condolences to the family
Geoff & Alicia Rose
February 20, 2014
Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great guy. Blessings to Carol and family.
Julie Laughlin
February 20, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Garrett family. He was a great person. I worked under him at the DAC center and he loved those kids.He had a special heart for children and loved every minute with them. Peace be with you all in this time of sadness.
Amanda Davis
February 20, 2014
Thoughts and Prayers to the family. I will always remember him coming in to Ray's Doghouse and seeing him on every Saturday. He will truly be missed.
Heather Pegram
February 20, 2014
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Garrett through his work on the Negro League Conference in 2007. He made it one of the most successful in the Conferences' history. His efforts helped to recognize Negro League players so they did not drift into obscurity. One such act was having a grave marker dedicated to a local player who may have otherwise gone unrecognized.
Mr. Garrett was a true gentleman and a kind soul. I will miss his wonderful sense of humor. My thoughts go out to his family.
February 20, 2014
Such a wonderful person! My condolences to the entire family.
Angie Balestino-PPS-Special Education
John & Cindy Wood
February 20, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God strengthen you in the days ahead for comfort. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
Dan Icayan
February 20, 2014
My condolences and prayers go out to Carol and the Garrett family. I will miss seeing Tom at the ODU games and events. He always had a smile and was eager to talk ODU sports and its history. Rest in Peace my friend.
Kim & Cliff Lyddane
February 19, 2014
My heart and prayers go out to the entire Garrett family. Tom was a wonderful man with a big heart and amazing sense of humor. I'm thankful that we had the chance to get to know him over the last decade. He will be greatly, greatly missed.
February 19, 2014
Such a wonderful man and good friend to Ray. I will miss seeing him at ODU games. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Martha Lowery
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