Our beloved Reverend Walter Harold Garrett, Sr., departed this life peacefully at his home in Fuquay-Varina on Saturday morning, June 15, 2024, with his loving wife, Gloria, by his side as he took his last breath. She said, “You just left me,” and gave him his last kiss.

Reverend Walter Harold Garrett, Sr., was born June 21, 1951, to the late James and Alice Garrett in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and educated in Wake County public school system, graduating in 1970.

Reverend Garrett was employed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Highway Safety for 35 years as a Roadway Design Engineer, retiring in 2007.

Reverend Garrett was known for his community involvement in his former years, which he considered his biggest achievement having contributed to different areas. He was a Scout Master for Troop 146 of Holly Springs, NC, Past Master of Elijah Lodge #821 of Holly Springs, NC, an assistant football coach for Pop Warner of Fuquay-Varina, NC, a State Employees Credit Union advisory board member, and a PTA-President & Treasurer of Wake County PTA Council. He also served as the Democratic Party Precinct Second Vice President and a member and chair of the Town Planning Board of Fuquay-Varina.

In the church community, he served in capacities, which he confessed brought challenges leading to great satisfaction. Reverend Garrett was a member of Douglas Chapel A. M. E. Zion Church in Holly Springs, NC. He was a trustee, usher and usher board president, church financial officer, choir member, and Sunday school teacher as well as assistant Sunday school superintendent.

He attended Shaw University and graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning a Bachelor of Art Degree in Religion & Philosophy in 2003 and became an ordained Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on February 9, 2001.

As an Elder of the Central North Carolina Conference ENCED-A. M. E. Zion Church, he was the former pastor of St. Mary’s and Taylor’s Chapel A. M. E. Zion Churches, both in the Raleigh District in Kittrell, NC, and Mt. Moriah A. M. E. Zion Church in Raleigh District in Henderson, NC. He was also the pastor of Norrington A. M. E. Zion Church in the Raleigh District in Lillington, NC, and Centennial A. M. E. Zion Church in Durham District in Bear Creek, NC.

He was a member of the Central North Carolina Conference Admissions Committee, Chair of the Ministry of Kindness Executive Committee – Central North Carolina Conference, having served 19 years in Christian Ministry before retiring in 2018.

Reverend Walter Harold Garrett, Sr., is survived by his caring and devoted wife of 53 years, Gloria McClain Garrett; loyal daughters, Angela of Morrisville, NC, and Felicia of Clayton, NC; son, Walter Jr. of Lexington, SC; three grandchildren he adored, Tatiana, Ava, and Tre’; Reverend Garrett also leaves four brothers, one sister, and one brother preceding him in death, Nathaniel; he also leaves to cherish his memories: Jimmy of Raleigh, Wallace (Brenda) of Fuquay-Varina, James (Louise) of Raleigh, Tracy (Faye) of Holly Springs, and Ella (Joe) of Wake Forest; three brothers-in-law, Bobby (Nicole) McClain, Donnie (Diane) McClain, and Carlton McClain; one sister-in-law, Janet (Reginald) Hinton; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends

Public Viewing: 1:00 - 5:00 pm Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Visitation: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Friday, June 21, 2024, at Rush Metropolitan A. M. E. Zion Church in Raleigh, NC.

Funeral will be held 12:00 pm Friday, June 21, 2024 at Rush Metropolitan A. M. E. Zion Church, 558 E. Cabarrus Street in Raleigh, NC 27601.

Burial: Douglas Chapel A. M. E. Zion Church, 201 Douglas Street in Holly Springs, NC 27540.