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Donald Vereen Obituary

D. Donald Gerrie Vereen, 49, of Athens, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 16, 2011. Garrie was born in High Point, N.C. He was the son of the late Donald Vereen Sr., and Joyce Biccum Purvis. A long time friend of the Athens Band Widespread Panic since 1986, Garrie became a full time employee in 1991 as their equipment manager extraordinaire. However, his contributions reached far beyond a simple job description; his impeccable work ethic, sense of humor, and love for the fans was felt throughout the music community of Athens, and beyond. He is survived by his wife, Windy Watson Vereen, and children, Colin, Everett, and Jane Vereen; he was preceded in death by his son Forrest Vereen. He also is survives by his brother, Kyle Vereen, of Bogart; sisters, Kathleen Hadaway, and Jamie Purvis, of Woodstock, Ga.; brother and sister- in -law, Kelly, and Paige Watson, of Atlanta; and much loves nieces, and newphews. There will be visitation at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, Ga. From 3-5 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2011. A celebration of Garrie's life with family and close friends will take place at the Bostwick Farm, the following Sunday from 3-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the Vereen Family Trust has been established with the First American Bank & Trust of Athens, Ga., 300 College Avenue, Athens, Ga., 30601. 706-354-5000. Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, has charge of arrangements. Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.onlineathens.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Athens Banner-Herald on Feb. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Vereen

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Dan Webb

April 5, 2011

Fare thee well, brother ! We all are going to miss you! I will always remember the time we spent together. GD Spring Tours, Tony's bus, the laundry van, hitching from Pittsburg to Macon, and lots and lots of WSP. Your smile and laughter live on in our memories. May your family find peace and comfort.

Susan Cartledge-Barker

March 17, 2011

Kathleen & Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Garrie's passing. I hadn't seen him in years but have some great memories of him living by Zeke on Oakridge, at Tim & Dan's on Hill Park, and when we all crammed into that apartment on Baxter Avenue. The last time I saw him was in St. Simons Island when he called me to give him a ride to Jekyll. He was such a nice guy and you were all so fortunate to be able to call him family. My prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely, Susan Cartledge Barker

Phillip M

March 4, 2011

I'm gonna miss you G "Babba" Vereen.

Robbie G

March 2, 2011

Words cant do justice to such a tragedy that has impacted the Vereen and WSP Family. Having met Garrie in Larkspur, and talking to him for some time i could tell he was a genuine soul, and not even knowing me or anything, he was so cool in taking time to chat. I am also a percussionist, like Sonny, and remember Garrie on so many occasions tuning up the congas..To his kids, wife, and entire family, you are now blessed with another angel above, and he will always be there for you in spirit, encompassing all of you. Never give up or put your heads down because Garrie is there, you just have to raise your eyes up and embrace his spirit that no doubt lives in your home, in your car, and wherever you travel! Be strong because he's out there and wouldnt want anybody to sulk and stop living!

Bob Evans

February 26, 2011

you will be missed. severely!

Britt West

February 23, 2011

The world lost one of the good guys. Garrie was much loved and will be long remembered. Even now I can still hear his booming baritone laugh and see him peering over his glasses with one eyebrow raised in that wry way only Garrie could do. He was always thoughtful and considerate and willing to lend a hand to all in need. I hope that all who love him can find some peace and celebrate his well lived life.

Jimmy,Becky,Joshua Epps

February 23, 2011

My family met Garrie at his sons funeral, he left us with a feeling of love and hope, much like Forrest always did. Prayers to the family.

Sandra Wehunt

February 22, 2011

My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you. Sandra (Nana) Wehunt

Helen & Jeff Cohenour

February 22, 2011

Dearest Windy, Everett, Jane Watson, and Colin,
Garrie was truly a special man who always had a beautiful smile and kind words for everyone he came in contact with. His light like this candle will shine on in all our lives. May you find peace in beautiful memories and know that he is in the arms of God.
All our love,
Helen & Jeff

Beth Coleman Carlton

February 22, 2011

I went to high school with Garrie. He was a very dear friend and such a sweet person. Haven't seen him since our 79 graduation, but can see that he continued to touch so many lives. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories and may God hold you in his embrace through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,

Rebecca Colligan

February 22, 2011

Thank you for everything Garrie, it was truly an honor to know you. To your family, deepest sympathy through this difficult time. We will all forever have an angel by our side.

Jeanne & Gordon Bennett

February 22, 2011

To the Vereen family,

its been many years ago since Garrie. Kathaleen and Kyle
lived at Rivera court in Macon, Georgia., and played with our kids.
Garrie was a sweet young man who we will always remember.
May you know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Love,
Jeanne & Gordon Bennett

Jennifer Smith

February 21, 2011

Windy,
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Paul K

February 21, 2011

I was very saddened to hear of this news. My memory of Garrie was getting "escorted" out of the back of the arena in Savannah for an undisclosed reason prior to showtime. Luckily the officer left me by the tour buses. Garrie happened to be nearby and felt my plight when I told him what happened (with the house lights now down and the crowd screaming). He quickly shuffled me back in to the crowd, patted me on the back and told me to enjoy the show....it was the last one I saw with Michael Houser. Condolences to the Vereen family and Browncat.

Bob, Sue, Pete & Amy Finan

February 21, 2011

Dearest Windy,
We cherish over 20 years of wonderful memories of Garrie and the WSP family. His warm smile and genuine laugh will be in our thoughts forever. We miss you Garo!

Jason T Swartz

February 20, 2011

Deepest sympathies to the Vereen family. He was a great man who was taken way too soon. Thank you for everything Garrie, you will not be forgotten.

Rebekah White

February 20, 2011

Windy, Sending you deepest sympathy and wishing you strength through God and support from friends. Everything we hold in our hearts is with us forever.

Michael Gossett

February 20, 2011

A devoted, loving man who will be missed everyday. All of our love and sympathy to your family and friends.

Amy Rejmer

February 20, 2011

Windy & kids- We are so very saddened to hear the news of Garrie's passing. Mark & Joey and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Brothers Milner

February 19, 2011

Thinking of the Vareen family! God bless you Garrie!
The Milners

Bryn Adamson

February 19, 2011

Windy, my dear! Know that I am thinking about you and your dear ones and sending lots of love your way.

Meade & Terri Amory

February 19, 2011

We are all so very sorry and want to extend our deepest sampathy. Garrie had the greatest way of looking at a situation and could sum things up with a simple yet clever phrase. We will always remeber his great smile and can still hear his laugh.
Garrie had a profound effect on all who met him. He introduced so many people to each other that his legacy will live on through those friendships.

Mitch Trotter

February 19, 2011

Windy, I was so sorry to hear about Garrie. I haven't been in touch with him for over ten yrs, but still have great memories of him when we were in highschool together. we were quite the cut-ups. Please rememeber his great smile and wonderful humor. May you somehow find peace in this terrible situation.
God Bless!
Mitch Trotter

Billy.aka.Big Bill Wright

February 19, 2011

To the Vereen family,
I got know Garrie when I lived and socialized near the Broad River where some of Garrie's friends lived. I 'll alway's cherrish the good times we had helping others build homes and socializing on the river. Garrie always had a smile on his face and good words to speak to everyone he met. I am so saddened and my deepest condolences for your loss. My heart is swollen for the sorrow we all feel that knew and loved Garro!

Billy aka Big Bill Wright

February 19, 2011

To the Vereen family,
Garrie was a special person who always had a smile on his face and good words to say to every one. I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with Garrie helping out on the constuction of mutual friends homes over on the Broad River and other social gatherings. Garrie was a really down to earth person who I will miss very much. I have only good memories of Garrie and will cherrish them for as long as I live. I am deeply sorry for your loss and hope you will be comforted to know he was loved by all who knew him.

Jeff Birddog Lane

February 19, 2011

Garrie, you taught me so much and talked me through some very tough times. Thank you for always lending an ear, giving me great advice, and passing on to me all those old drumsticks. I will never forget your 'salt of the earth' words of wisdom, or the special times I spent hanging with you. I was so blessed to know you.

Alisa Claytor

February 19, 2011

My heart goes out to the Vereen family in this time of loss. I hope that you find strength in each other through the shared love Garrie gave all. Celebrate his memories.

Bernstein Funeral Home

February 19, 2011

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Christy Jones

February 18, 2011

Windy, Everett, and Jane Hunter, I am so very sorry for your extraordinary loss. Garrie's smile and laugh always lit up the room when I had the pleasure of seeing him. I pray for all of you w/ deep sadness in my heart. Our loss truly is Heaven's gain. I know memories aren't enough, but am so happy your kids will grow up knowing the were LOVED! I'm honored to have known Garrie. My love to all of you..

Ashmore

February 18, 2011

Windy - I can't imagine how hard this is for you and the children. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts.

Coleman McMurphy

February 18, 2011

You had a special gift Garrie. You saw those around you as family and made everyone feel that they were indeed a part of your family. Love to you in the Great Beyond.

Darin James

February 18, 2011

Our thoughts are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Eric and Sara Imhoff

February 18, 2011

Our prayers are with Vereen family in this very difficult time. Garrie definitly touched a lot of hearts and will be greatly missed.

Anna Broach

February 18, 2011

We already miss you Garrie. Forrest doesn't have to anymore. Your booming voice, that wonderful laugh, and the amazing way that you took care of us all will remain with me forever.

jeff conger

February 18, 2011

our prayers are with you all ... this should not happen to such good people

Andy and Terri ODum

February 18, 2011

Much love to you and your family, Wendy. We are thinking of you.

Josh and Dana Bandstra

February 18, 2011

We are thinking about you in this very difficult time. Garrie was a wonderful person and a friend to all...

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