Donell Gordon Garris, Sr.
August 04, 1924 - July 26, 2010Donell Gordon “Don” Garris, Sr., 85, beloved husband, father, and son, passed peacefully on Monday.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, at Wayne Memorial Park, with pastor Jerry Mitchell of Garris Chapel United Methodist Church officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service on Wednesday.
A native of Wayne County, Mr. Garris grew up in the Adamsville area. His early years saw him working for his father on the farm and in the family store. After graduating from Goldsboro High School, Mr. Garris served his country valiantly in the United States Navy. While at Goldsboro, Mr. Garris made the varsity baseball team at the age of 13. He went on to play professional baseball and later, became an avid golfer.
During World War II, Mr. Garris served as a medic. His service and valor earned him several medals and battle stars including the following: American, Asiatic and Pacific with 4 battle stars, and the Philippine Liberation with 1 star. Mr. Garris was honorably discharged from the Navy and anticipated with great joy his reunion with his father and family. He received a telegram informing him that his father had passed. He returned to the states and was devoted to his widowed mother, Josie, until her death.
Mr. Garris served Wayne County as Assistant Administrator and Purchasing Agent at Wayne Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 1973. He successfully ran and operated several small businesses with his brother, Jack, wife, Mary, and later his son, Don, and nephew, Jeff Garris. His generosity and compassion for others was reflected through his many acts of kindness.
Mr. Garris is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary; a son, Don Garris, Jr. and wife Karen; a daughter, Cathie Hooks and husband Mike; four grandchildren, Michael Hooks, Jr. and wife Leigh; Jon Hooks and wife Jenny of Cary; Donell Garris III; and Maryanne Garris; a great grandson, Ryan Hooks; a brother, Joseph William “Jack” Garris; two sister-in-laws, Joyce Garris and Evelyn Garris Grant; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mr. Garris was preceded in death by his parents, John B. Garris and Josie M. Garris and three brothers, Paul, Jarvis, and JB, Jr.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sutton’s Retirement, 3HC, and Mr. Garris’ special sitters, Maria Broadhurst and Felicia Davis, for their exemplary and compassionate care of Mr. Garris.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Goldsboro, P.O. Box 774 Goldsboro, NC 27533.
Grandsons of Mr. Garris, Jeff Garris and John Lee Garris, nephews, and Chris Boyette, great nephew, will serve as pallbearers.