William L. Garrett

William L. Garrett obituary, Erlanger, KY

William L. Garrett

William Garrett Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Linnemann Funeral Home - Erlanger on Jul. 2, 2025.
William Louis Garrett
May 19, 1958 – June 26, 2025
William Louis Garrett, 67, passed away peacefully with his loving family and friends surrounding him, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at his home in Edgewood, KY. He received the Anointing of the Sick from Fr. Damian Hils of Blessed Sacrament Church.
Bill was a man who was loved by so many. He never knew a stranger. He was always generous with his time and talent. Bill's family was everything to him. He always put them first and looked out for them in every way. Everyone seemed to come to Bill for advice, whether it be personal, or pertaining to his career as a remodeler for 45 years. Bill was also a school bus driver for Kenton County for four years. He was the life of every party and known for having the best celebrations. His Jägermeister shots were legendary. Bill loved work and play. Taking care of his home and yard were his obsessions. Hunting was the hobby that gave him the most joy. It wasn't all about getting the "big buck." He loved to be in the woods, quietly watching nature around him. He also enjoyed fishing, smoking on his smokers, and he liked the idea of golf, although he wasn't very good at it. His friends will be the first to admit that, but he was fun to have on the golf course.
Bill was a graduate of Conner High School in Hebron, KY, where he played football and was active in student council. He was president of his senior class. He married his loving wife, Rita, in October of 1981. After eleven years of marriage, they had their daughter, Elizabeth. She was definitely daddy's girl and his pride and joy. Bill welcomed his awesome son-in-law, Sam, into the family without reservation. He was so happy for the husband Elizabeth had found. Rita and Bill also have two grandsons, Tommy and Scottie. Their arrival made his life perfect. No one fought harder to live than Bill, but in the end, he was thankful for the life he had. He always said, "I have done more in my 67 years of life than others do in 100." He touched the lives of so many people, and he will be missed by so many. There surely is a hole in many hearts.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Dolores Garrett; his sister, Margaret Ehrenfels; and his in-laws, William and Christina Gerdes. Those left behind are his caring wife of 43 years, Rita Gerdes Garrett; daughter, Elizabeth Halpin; son-in-law, Sam Halpin; two grandsons, Thomas and Scott Halpin; and his brother, Edward Garrett (Andrea). Bill also leaves behind five sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Doris Wilker (Jerry), Barbara Koplyay (Steve), Connie Boggs (Sam), Bill Gerdes (Annette), Monica Littrell, Lori Tenhundfeld (Rob), along with many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Linnemann Funeral Home in Erlanger, Kentucky. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, July 8, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky at 9:45 AM. Bill will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, KY.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Bill's name to two of his favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

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

Sign William Garrett's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 25, 2025

Michele Elliott Noe posted to the memorial.

July 7, 2025

Debbie Hiatt Maeder posted to the memorial.

July 2, 2025

Linnemann Funeral Home - Erlanger posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Michele Elliott Noe

August 25, 2025

Condolences to the whole family. He was a gentleman through and through. God bless you all.

Debbie Hiatt Maeder

July 7, 2025

Bill ("Billy") was the first friend my big brother and I made when we moved next door to his family in about 1963; he came over and introduced himself right away. The three of us spent a lot of time together as kids - tramping through the woods, building camps, exploring our subdivision, playing touch football... he even let me play with his Tonka trucks. He was one of the friendliest people I've ever met, filled with honest goodwill towards others, and I feel grateful and blessed to have known him. My sincere condolences to his family. (I've included a photo of him with my big brother, Stephen.)

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Linnemann Funeral Home - Erlanger

30 Commonwealth Ave, Erlanger, KY 41018

Make a Donation
in William Garrett's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support William's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor William Garrett's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign William Garrett's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 25, 2025

Michele Elliott Noe posted to the memorial.

July 7, 2025

Debbie Hiatt Maeder posted to the memorial.

July 2, 2025

Linnemann Funeral Home - Erlanger posted an obituary.