Frank Bernard Garrett II

1959 - 2024

Frank Bernard Garrett II

January 12, 1959 - December 31, 2024

Frank Bernard Garrett II died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. He was born on Jan. 12, 1959, to John Bostian Garrett, M.D., and Nancy Sides Garrett in Winston-Salem but grew up in Walkertown, N.C. He graduated from Forsyth Country Day School before earning a degree in fine art from Winston-Salem State University. He was a lifelong member of Love's United Methodist Church in Walkertown and was remembered for his booming hymnal-style voice.

Mr. Garrett was well-known in the field of antiques and collectibles, having worked with 17 auctioneers in the region, including the legendary Fred Mock. He had a deep knowledge of antique phonographs and records, along with the history of early jazz and popular music, reflected in his long friendship with blues expert Gayle Dean Wardlow. A lifelong film buff, he briefly studied both acting and film at UNCSA and remained lifelong friends with international star of film and stage Nick Searcy.

A natural-born historian, Mr. Garrett had a deep love of American history, particularly of the Civil War and the Confederate Navy, along with the History of the Presidency. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of American coinage and paper currency, which is how he largely made his trade. He shared this love of history with his beloved partner of 33 years, Dean Smith, Ph.D., a legal historian at High Point University.

A natural-born entertainer, Mr. Garrett regaled friends in song at the piano and in voice, sometimes even teaming with local luminaries like pianist and acclaimed ragtime composer Damon Carmona. A steadfast friend, he had an uncanny way of making everyone feel like a best friend: Matt Vest, Kenny Westmoreland, Dickie Hamilton, Mike Brame, Michael Willard, Jeff Nabors.

Mr. Garrett was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nancy Garrett, and his sister, Patricia Ruth Garrett McAlpine. He is survived by his brother, John Bostian Garrett, Jr., M.D. (Nancy); sister Jane Garrett Bernier (James); brother-in-law Russell Hope McAlpine; nieces and nephews, Nancy Ruth Garrett Yeaw (Christopher), John Bostian Garrett III (Erin), Alexander Russell McAlpine (Crystal), Lauren Garrett McAlpine, Natalie Grace Yeaw, Mary Helen Yeaw Dempski (Nathan), John Christopher Yeaw, Olivia Lane McAlpine; many cousins in North Carolina and a dear aunt, Mrs. Bettie S. Dorton of Raleigh, N.C.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Love's United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in his name to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem NC 27103.