John H. Garris, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully March 24, 2021 in Virginia Beach. He was born in Portsmouth, VA to John H. Garris and Denise Osmundson who predeceased him. His life & memory will be cherished by Patricia Hassell-Garris, his devoted wife & partner of 45 years, daughters Michele Barlow and Jennifer Garris, sisters Debbie Perry, Denyce Polins and grandsons Brett and Devin Barlow. John was also predeceased by his brother Dennis Osmundson. Left behind are nieces, nephews & a host of adoring family & friends.

John's life speaks volumes. He was a retired Norfolk Firefighter, Proprietor of Second Alarm Restaurant, Merchant Seaman, Waterman, Car Wholesaler, Tugboat Cook and loving husband. Our loss is heaven's gain.

Please visit simplycremationonline.com for a full obituary and John's final wishes.

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

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Apr. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Garris

Sponsored by the family.

19 Entries

Michele Garris Barlow

September 22, 2021

Wednesday

Michele Garris Barlow

July 22, 2021

Thanks for the memories especially Andrea Drive Norfolk Virginia with Cheryl and remarkable childhood those incredible teen years in Virginia Beach with Patsy and Jennifer.

Michele Garris Barlow

July 22, 2021

Guide him as one of your dear Lord..my dad.my father.

Michele Ann Garris Barlow

July 22, 2021

Through the years this man my father unspoken sacrifices that demonstrated his devotion to the Lord he was taught as a child . please hear our prayers ... G-d lead & guard his eternal soul forever .

Tony La Tourette

May 9, 2021

Patsy, John was a good man, kind and generous. John used to pick up my dinner tab before I deployed with the Navy. I will never forget those kind gestures. I understand your loss. Call on me if I can help you with anything. Take care.

Sandy Mallory Hatch

April 14, 2021

Patsy you couldn't have written his obituary any better. We love and miss ya'll. We have thought of you and John over the years wondering how ya'll were doing. Such great memories working at Second Alarm. Love Cathy Miller, Sandy Hatch and Shane Graham.

Adrian Winstead

April 12, 2021

John Boy,
You were always a good friend to my family and you will be forever our friend. I sure remember all the good and funny times you guys had. Something to cherish and remember.
Your friends always,

Deb & Adrian(Ozzie) Winstead

Janet Bown

April 9, 2021

This quote from the obituary stands true..."Several employees met their spouses at the Alarm. One could say it was a family love connection". I was hired (right out of high school...no experience) and met my husband Chuck Brown at the Second Alarm, while working my way through college. Friends used to play "Chuck is in Love" on the juke box to give him a hard time! So many memories...
Janet and Chuck Brown

Wes Crowder

April 9, 2021

John and I started out together in the first grade when we lived in Cottage Homes and later we both moved to Azalea Acres. We were childhood friends for the first through the 12th grade. At the end of high school four of us decided to join the Air Force but John change his mind at the last minute and eventually went in the merchant marines. We reconnected after the service and continued to socialize up into our 20's and on into being young marrieds. I got transferred away for about 4 years and we never reconnected. I always regretted that. I ran into John about thirty years ago and we reminised briefly. One of the subjects was the 1950 Ford with the eight ball gearshift. His passing has touched me deeply.

Gary Rafter

April 9, 2021

John was a good man. My wife (Schatzi) and I lived next door to a Patsy and John for a couple of years. We enjoyed being neighbors and stayed several weekends at his dad's cottage on the sound side in Nags Head. Too many smiling stories to list. Patsy was right, our loss was heavens gain. Love ya Brother. Thank you for your years of service and RIP ❤

Camille g Overton

April 9, 2021

Patsy,
I am very sorry to hear of John's passing.
I know you will miss him very much.
Camille

Kal and Joni Kassir

April 9, 2021

We are very saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved John. As a fellow restaurant owner on Shore Dr.for so many years we developed both a professional and personal bond that I will cherish for life. May God grant you the patience during these difficult days. Patsy, we admire your love and caring for the love of your life, may he Rest In Peace.
Joni and Kal Kassir

Jodi Mullins Woolard

April 9, 2021

Patsy, I was so saddened to read of John’s
passing. Though it’s been decades since we’ve been in touch, I have such fond memories of both of you during my early years in Virginia Beach. Rare is a time when I drive down Shore Drive without pointing out Second Alarm to whoever is visiting along with me, and in my mind I still see both of you there. What a beautiful lifelong love story for you two..such a cherished gift from above, a gift for you to still carry. Sending my sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Helen Marie Sluis

April 8, 2021

Dear Patsy, Joe and I were so sorry to hear of John's passing. May his soul rest in peace. Courage and peace to you and the family.

David Greer

April 4, 2021

Patsy,I can't begin to express how I feel about the loss of my good friend John. You are both in my prayers daily. from a Loving friend David

Ray Revell

April 2, 2021

Patsy, Family and friends. I am truly sorry for your loss. I would like to offer you and your family my deepest and most sincere condolences. May our friendship and prayers ease you through this difficult time.

Norm & Bernie Carrick

April 2, 2021

Dear Patsy -- We are truly saddened to hear of John's passing. Life will never be the same without him but we can only hope that time and wonderful memories will help ease your pain. You are in our thoughts.

Rubert Wilson III

April 2, 2021

Many happy times

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