Willard Garland, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, at his home.
He was the son of the late Raleigh and Luthenia Grindstaff Garland and was born in Carter County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Crawford Garland, and his first wife, Pauline Garland.
Mr. Garland was a truck driver and was retired from the Carter County Highway Department. He loved to hunt and camp and was an avid NASCAR fan. He was baptized at Watauga Valley Freewill Baptist Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Lorena Layman, Elizabethton; two grandchildren, Laura Hayes and her husband Collin Kissoon, and Sarah Hays; two step-daughters, Kathy Nave and her husband Tony, and Nelda Bennett; four step-sons, Eddie Blevins and his wife Pam, Condon Williams and his wife Diane, Larry Williams, and Michael Taylor and his wife Ruthie; a step-granddaughter, Makalah Taylor; four sisters, Helen Tester, Loretta Lowe, Patsy Coup and her husband Earl, all of Elizabethton, and Lillie Burke and her husband Lewis, Manassas, Va.; a brother, Michael Lynson Garland and his wife Linda; a special “son,” Ronnie Berry; his former wife, Viola Dugger; a special nephew, Garrett Bennett; and a special friend, Timmy Taylor. Several other nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Garland will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Willie Campbell officiating. Music will be under the direction of Mr. Edwin Taylor. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Garland Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Ricky Townsend, Gary Bennett, Michael Gerald, David Meyers, Ronnie Campbell and T.N. Taylor. Honorary pallbearer will be Timmy Taylor. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home at 12:15 p.m. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Garland family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.