Dr. J. David Garrett

1956 - 2026

Dr. J. David Garrett

Nov 22, 1956 - Jan 31, 2026

Dr. J. David Garrett, 69, of China Spring, Texas, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Services will be held at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco TX 76708, to celebrate his life this Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. Viewing will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Following the service, a gravesite farewell will be held at Waco Memorial Park, at 6623 S IH-35 Service Rd., Robinson TX 76706.

Dr. Garrett culminated a long and distinguished career in health sciences as Professor of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Baylor University from 1998 to 2024. As Director of the Master's Degree in Speech Pathology and later as Department Chair for Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, David left an indelible mark on the program.

David is survived by his lovely wife Ruth, and two stepsons, Stephen Anthony White (wife, Angela White and their son, Dylan Everett White, three and-a-half years old), and Brett Matthew White (along with his daughter, Raidyn Aurora White, seven weeks old).

David is also survived by his dear brother Robert I. Garrett, Jr. (and wife, Janie Garrett) and a cherished sister, Peggilu Garrett Woodward (and husband, Douglas Woodward); along with all their children, Janelle Marguerite Garrett, Rebecca Garrett Finn, Elisabeth Garrett Zurita, Ruth Watkins, and their children's children, Sebastian Finn, Caroline Finn, Chiara Garrett, Juliette Finn, and Isabelle Finn.

David was preceded in death by two amazing parents: Robert Irving Garrett, Sr. and Marguerite Gaston Garrett.

An online service will be available by going to the Lake Shore Funeral Home's website at Lake Shore Funeral Home.