J.B. GARRIS JR.
Died April 21, 2009
John Bryant "J.B." Garris Jr., 88, beloved son of the late John B. Garris Sr. and Josie M. Garris, passed peacefully on Tuesday.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Summerlin Family Cemetery, with Pastor Bill Garner officiating.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Seymour Funeral Home.
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 store. From Goldsboro High School, Mr. Garris served his country valiantly in the United States Army.
During World War II, despite visual impairment, he was assigned to serve under Gen. George Patton, following him through Europe. His four-year service to his country found him on the front line in some of the toughest fighting of the war. It was during one of these fierce engagements that Mr. Garris was the sole survivor in his foxhole. He was honorably discharged from the Army and anticipated with great joy his reunion with his father and family. He received a telegram informing him that his father had passed. Mr. Garris returned to the states and was devoted to his widowed mother, Josie, until her death.
Mr. Garris was an avid reader of the news and loved music. He worked hard with no complaint.
After years of illness, he has entered his new life -- complete and well. His family rejoices with him and celebrates his most deserved homecoming.
Mr. Garris attended New Hope Friends Church in the Elroy community for many years.
Two brothers, Jack Garris and wife, Kathleen, and Donell Garris Sr. and wife, Mary; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Garris and Evelyn G. Grant; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins survive him.
In addition to his parents, two brothers, Paul Garris and Jarvis Garris, preceded him in death.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to New Hope Friends Church, 4451 U.S. 70 East, Golds-boro, N.C. 27534.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on April 22, 2009 1:47 PM