Paul Garrett
Paul Garrett
Paul Garrett

Obituary of Paul Richard Garrett

Paul Richard Garrett of Arcadia, Florida and formerly of Algonac, Michigan went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on February 6, 2010. He was a kind and patient man, a true gentleman. He will be deeply missed. We love you, Dad! Rich, as most people called him was born in Clawson, MI on April 25, 1927 to Roy S. and Ethel Grace Garrett. He graduated in 1945 from Log Cabin High School and then joined the US Navy. After 4 years of service came college; 1 year at Michigan State and 3 years at Alma College where he graduated in 1953 with a degree in education. While at Alma College he was the captain of his football team and he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He was an avid sportsman his whole life, playing golf three times a week until two months before his death. He so enjoyed playing with his golf buddies at Sunnybreeze. You enriched his life! He never stopped following his favorite teams: the Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, Michigan State Spartans, and yes, even the Lions. Upon graduation from Alma, he married Joan Lorraine Conway on August 22, 1953 and they moved to Algonac where he taught high school PE and coached varsity football and baseball for 30 years. Rich had a successful career as a coach and is in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. He was a 20-year member of First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte where he served as an usher. He loved serving God's people by visiting those in the hospital. He loved his church. He had many dear friends who loved him and he loved them. Most importantly, he loved the Lord and looked with peace to meeting Him in his final days. Rich is survived by his daughters, Sue (Tom) Smith of Algonac, MI, and Deb (Rick) Tarter of Port Charlotte, FL; his son, Jim Garrett of Whitman, MA; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; his dear sister and golf partner, Joyce Cooper of Sun City, FL; his brother and friend, Joel (Janet) Garrett; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Joan, his older brother, Roy Nelson, and his parents. A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte, 20035 Quesada Avenue in Port Charlotte on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 3:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memoriams may be made in loving memory of Rich to First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte, 20035 Quesada Avenue, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 or Algonac Community Schools/The Garrett Fund, 1216 St. Clair Boulevard, Algonac, MI 48001. Visit Rich's tribute wall at www.schelmfh.com. Arrangements by Paul Schelm Funeral Home in Port Charlotte. Phone (941) 625-3535.
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Service

MAR 6. 3:00 PM First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte 20035 Quesada Avenue Port Charlotte, FL, 33952

Interment

Restlawn Memorial Gardens 1380 Forrest Nelson Boulevard Port Charlotte, FL, 33952
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