Charles Richard Garrett

Reverend Charles Richard Garrett was promoted to his Heavenly home on March 6, 2026. He passed peacefully at home in Lakeland, FL.

A most precious arrival and blessing was sent to earth when Charles, affectionately known as Richard, was born on October 25, 1936, to his parents, James Willard and Fannie Mae (Hall) Garrett in Bypro, Kentucky. Richard was the first of eight children and took his role of being the eldest sibling to heart. He worked from a young age to help support the family.

Richard was ordained as a deacon on Sept 16, 1972, and served in this ministry at Espyville Free Will Baptist church in Marion, Ohio, for many years. He was often called "the preaching deacon". This nickname was aptly chosen, as Richard later announced his call to preach on March 16, 1980, and was ordained on April 17, 1982. He would go on to pastor several churches. Those churches were blessed indeed. He was not only a loving Shepherd, but he was also blessed with wonderful carpentry skills. He could often be found performing remodeling or renovation projects in those churches, leaving them in better condition outwardly, inwardly, and spiritually.

He also loved gospel music. Richard, along with his wife - Juanita, sister - Carol, and brother-in-law - Dwight, brother - Jim formed the quartet known as "The Family Four", in which Richard sang bass. They traveled for several years and saw many souls saved.

Richard met Juanita Fern (Nean) Quick while attending church services at Oakhill Free Will Baptist Church. The couple got married on October 15, 1955. Their union was blessed with four children. As the children married, the family number grew to include: 3 sons-in-law, 11 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 14 great- great grandchildren. The couple enjoyed 65 years of marriage and remained deeply devoted to each other until Juanita's passing in November of 2020. Richard loved his family. He worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to supply for them throughout the years.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Juanita (Nean)Garrett; his parents, James Willard and Fannie Mae Garrett; step fathers, Raymond Castle and Willie Couch; daughter, Colleen (Linn) Downs; son Charles Richard Garrett Jr (Rick); grandson, Archie Griffin, Jr.; son in law, Archie Griffin; great grandson, Denny (DJ) Solva; brother, James Garrett; sisters Minnie Lanier and Patricia Smith; brothers in law, Jimmy Lewis, Rev. Dwight Skeans, and Larry James; sister in law, Betty Garrett.

After Juanita's passing, Richard meet and married Sharon Hicks in November of 2022. Sharon loved and cared for Richard until his passing. This union added two stepdaughters, a step son in law, and 4 step grandchildren to the family.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Juanita (Nean)Garrett; parents, James Willard and Fannie Mae Garrett; step fathers, Raymond Castle and Willie Couch; daughter, Colleen (Linn) Downs; son Charles Richard Garrett Jr (Rick); grandson, Archie Griffin, Jr.; son in law, Archie Griffin; great grandson, Denny (DJ) Solva; brother, James Garrett; sisters Minnie Lanier and Patricia Smith; brothers in law, Jimmy Lewis, Rev. Dwight Skeans, and Larry James; sister in law, Betty Garrett.

His is survived by his wife, Sharon (Hicks) Garrett of Lakeland, FL; daughters, Peggy (Kelly) Spivey of Jacksonville, AL, Deanna (George)Edwards of Somerset, KY; stepdaughters, Christy (Stephen) Jones of Auburndale, FL and Misty Hicks of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren, Angie Griffin, Cassie Hannam, Juanita (Ulises) Vazquez , Charles Richard "Chuckie"(Christin) Garrett III , Destiny Garrett, Kendra (Thomas) Acevedo, Salena Dunn, Christopher Coulombe , Tony (Amanda) Edwards and Kyle (Whitney) Edwards; step grandchildren, Gracie Jones, Mercy Jones, Nellie Jones, Reece Hicks; brother, Rev. Marty (Linda) Garrett of Lake Alfred, FL; sisters, Mary James of West Liberty, Ohio , Carol Skeans of Lakeland, FL, Jackalene Lewis of Gallipolis, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard's work and testimony will live on through those he loved his brothers and sisters in Christ, his many sermons and devoted service to the cause of Christ.

May we make him proud!