Bill Garrett

Billy (Bill) W. Garrett was born on February 14, 1932, in Miller Grove, Texas, to Thomas Ray Garrett and Oma C. Burns Garrett. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Nelda Carroll and Flo Coleman; his brothers, James, Duane, and Edwin Garrett; and his beloved wife, Shirley Joyce Willis Garrett.

At the age of 14, Bill accepted Christ as his Savior at Miller Grove Presbyterian Church, a faith that guided his life and service. He graduated from Miller Grove High School in 1953 and later worked in the Kansas wheat harvest before joining the United States Army in 1954. Bill served in the Missile Division, including time stationed in El Paso, Texas, and Mainz, Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1955.

On September 1, 1956, Bill married the love of his life, Shirley Joyce Willis. They began their life together in Waco, Texas, where Bill worked for Zales Jewelry and attended Baylor University at night. The couple later returned to East Texas, where Bill earned his master’s degree from East Texas State University in Commerce.

Bill devoted his career to education, teaching high school in Tioga, Caddo Mills, Mesquite, and Emory, Texas. He also served in the Education Department of the Texas Justice System from 1968 to 1973. His commitment to public service extended into the community through his work with the Rains Independent School District Board, the Rains County Appraisal District, and the East Texas Council of Governments.

A man of deep faith, Bill served his church in many roles, including Sunday School teacher, director, and pastor search committee member. He was also active in numerous professional organizations, including the Texas State Teachers Association, National Education Association, Parent Teacher Association, and the Teachers Retirement Association.

Bill found joy in the outdoors—fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and Canada’s Lake of the Woods, hunting, ranching, and raising cattle. Alongside Shirley, he traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Bill is survived by his children: Sharon (Greg) Henry, Vicki Hoodwin, and Todd (Lanetta) Garrett; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Oma Lea Garrett Nelson of Sulphur Springs, Texas.

Bill’s greatest wish was that others would come to know Christ. He now rests in the promise of eternal life, reunited with Shirley, and secure in the hope that all who believe will one day meet again.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 4-6 P.M at Wilson-Orwosky Chapel in Emory Texas. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 1 P.M. at Emory Baptist Church in Emory, Texas with Dr. Richard Piles officiating.