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.
Samuel D Adams sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Walter Garrett, Sr. - June 19, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Garrett family during this difficult time. Love, The Sam Adams Family
Beautiful Dreams was sent for Walter Garrett, Sr. - June 19, 2024
Rosella Hasan sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Walter Garrett, Sr. - June 18, 2024
Thinking of the Garrett Family during this difficult time. Sorrowfully, Cousins Carrie Norris-Smith and Rosella Norris-Hasan
Harry Bond planted 5 trees in memory of Walter Garrett, Sr. . - June 21, 2024
Mary Thompson planted 5 trees in memory of Walter Garrett, Sr. . - June 21, 2024
Sincere condolences to the Garrett Family !!
Rest my dear brother and may God's eternal Blessings be with you and your family always. Alpha and Omega...you will rise again . Farewell. ..Larry D.Yon
I would like to give my Condolences to the Garrett family . Mr Walter was a great man who i looked up to growing up . He will be truly missed . Love y'all -Greg Herron
Walter was a very inspiring gentleman who led many to Christ. He was an Engineer for Christ. His memory will remain fresh in the hearts of many at North Carolina State Department of Transportation. May God comfort and strengthen the family. Nathan Adima - EFC- NCDOT.
Ella Mae, The class of 1967. We are so sorry to hear the passing of Walter. He was such a good respectful man. We know he has gone to be with the Lord. We are praying for the entire family. President: Calvin Leach Condolences : Luretta McKoy
Walter was a wonderful man. I will always remember him for leading Bible Study in Roadway Design at NCDOT. I know haven has welcome him with open arms.
Our sincere condolences to the Garrett Family. May God comfort and give you peace at this difficult time. Horace & Gertha Heggie
I worked with Walter one summer in high school, and I'm glad I got a chance to see again recently. Condolences to the family. Foston Curtis
You will be missed Uncle. Valissa Garrett Moore and David G Moore
Sending up prayers for the Garrett family. Sending my deepest condolences. Walter and I were employees at NCDOT. I remember his dedication, hard work, sense of humor and warm personality. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you during this time of grief. Mack Bailey
May God grant you peace and acceptance during this most difficult time. And may your heart be filled with cherished memories. Alberta Smith & family
Deacon Garnell Heggie and Dr. Mary Heggie offer words of sympathy and condolence to the Garrett Family. "And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known." Prayerfully submitted.
Dear Mrs. Garrett and family. My sincere condolences and prayers are yours in the loss of Walter. I knew him through our mutual work at NCDOT-Roadway Design and the Bible Study that he and a few others started there in 1999. That Bible Study is still going at NCDOT, 25 years later. Thank you God for Walter and his influence for the Kingdom of God in his community and workplace. Sincerely, Kevin Moore
Condolences and prayers for the Garrett Family during this difficult. Rev. Sarah Kelly
Condolences to Gloria and the entire Garrett family . May God grant you comfort and understanding doing this difficult time. Enoch Turner
Condolences
To Mrs Gloria & family, you have my deepest condolences. May God give you strength to endure. Hold onto the memories. Vida Ross Norrington A.M.E Zion Church & Family
On behalf of the Greater New Sweet Springs Church family Pastor Jessie Mims we send our condolences to the family.
I am truly sorry that I omitted my name from the previous message. Mamie Mckoy Richardson
Truly sorry that I omitted my name from the previous message. Mamie Mckoy Richardson
For the wife,children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family of Walter Garrett with its many branches, I send my deepest regards to each of you. God has again called one of his cherished servants to join him around his throne in glory. Believe in your hearts now that his living was not in vain,for his reward is great and now he is resting in the arms of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.
Lord and I are heartbroken with the passing of Reverend Garrett. We enjoyed all the times that we got together and shared a meal. My heart is broken and saddened. Words cannot express my sense of loss. We offer our prayers and condolences for Mrs. Garrett in this most difficult time. I hope you know that we are there for you and the family. I lost a true friend and brother in Reverend Garrett.
Dr. James H. Henderson and Lori Carr Henderson
Sincere condolences to the family in their time of grief. Thoughts and Prayers from Melvin and Joyce (Nesmith) Hunter.
Pastor Randy Sr & Evangelist Sylvia N.James with Living By The Word Praise & Worship Center extend our condolences for your loss. May God grant you his comfort & peace.
Our sincere condolences to the Garrett Family. We are praying that God grants you strength and comfort during this difficult time. With sympathy, William and Meta Harris
Sorry to hear of the passing of Minister Garrett. Praying that the lord Jesus will carry you all through these dark and long days/nights until you're able to walk. Continued prayers for the family. Harold n Phyllis Cofield Norris
Praying for you and the family. A great Christian soldier gone home. Joe McKoy Family
To Gloria and family, we offer our sincere condolences in the transition of your beloved, Rev. Walter Garrett. You both gave so much support to the Raleigh District and for that I'll always be grateful. When we served as directors on the Raleigh District, he was so supportive and inspirational and easy to work with. The love you shared for one another and your devotion to God was truly admirable. I pray for your comfort, strength and peace as only God can give. Cynthia Davis McKoy, Former Director of Christian Education, Raleigh District
Mrs. Garrett so sorry for your loss. Praying the Lord will continue to comfort and keep you in the days to come. There is a song that says, "He sees the tears you cry. He shares your pain inside. And sometimes you wonder why He allows you to go through what you go through, but just know He has his hands on you. He has his hands on you, He said He'll see you through, and when you cry He's holding you. So just lift your hands up high, for He will provide. Just know He has his hands on you". Lisa Marsh.
To the entire Garrett Family, may God continue to bless and keep you in His care. Friend a ND classmate. Paulette Austin
The Campbell Family sends prayers and love to you at this time . Angie, Felicia , Walter Jr, Mrs. Garrot, and family I know that this is not easy ,for we know losing a parent , brother , and husband is one loss that is hard bare. From experience, we will tell you that time and prayer makes things a little easier . Your father was an inspiration to many , a role model , great father , neighbor., friend, and pastor . He will truly be missed . Just know we are right next door if you need us . Sincerely Yours , The James A. Campbell Family
Condolences to the Garrett family at this time from Maryland and Ruby Snelling
To Mrs. Gloria M. Garrett & Family: May you find comfort in this hymn as you journey through this valley:
Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face, There to sing forever of His saving grace; On the streets of glory, let me lift my voice, Cares all past, home, at last, ever to rejoice. (Copied)
The Presiding Elders, The Pastors, The Clergy, The Laity, and The Congregations
The Central North Carolina Conference, The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Fuquay-Varina, NC Mrs. Shelia W. Monroe, Dean of Missionary Supervisors The Right Reverend Dr. Kenneth Monroe, Presiding Prelate and Senior Bishop, The AME Zion Church Fuquay-Varina, NC
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
Reverend Dr. James & Jacqueline French, Presiding Elder & First Lady Pastors and Congregations The Dunn-Lillington District, The AME Zion Church Spring Lake, NC
Servant of God, well done! Rest from thy loved employ; The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy master's joy. (Copied)
Pastor Kenneth Swann and Cameron Grove AME Zion Church, Broadway, NC
My sincerest condolences and prayers to Angela and your family. May you all stay strong in God as you go through these tough times. God bless you all.
Terrence Hall
My condolences to Gloria and family. May the Lord strengthen and comfort your family. Brenda and Lawrence Hunter
My deepest condolences to the Garrett family in this difficult time. My prayer is for God to surround this family with the peace and comfort they will need. 🙏🏼
Going to miss you, Preacher. Our talks about life and work. I will always remember you being the best dressed DOT employee ever. Rest well my friend. Prayers to your family. B Minter Sr.
May it be comfort knowing that other care in your time of sorrow. I always enjoyed meeting Walter (Rev Garrett). God Blessed and used him for His Glory for seventy-two long years. My Prayers go out to the entire Garrett Family. Jessie Dewar & Family
Sending condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. He will truly be missed 🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾
Offering my deepest condolences to the Garrett family during this time. -Angela Poole
Reverend Walter Garrett was the pastor who welcome me to Centennial AME Zion Church in Bear Creek, NC. My husband and I studied under Reverend Garrett and former First Lady Garrett along with my Class Leader. We learned so much under Reverend Garrett; he had baptized me for the second time as an adult. My husband and myself will remember Reverend Walter Garrett and Mrs. Garrett. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mrs.Garrett and family. "Reverend Garrett, you are with God now, rest in peace". Susan and Dail Currie
To my cousin Gloria Garrett and the Garrett family. We send our deepest heartfelt sympathy and love during this time of bereavement. May God continue to bless and keep you and your family. From the McClain family Rev. Jimmy MccLain, Elaine and Jamie McClain
Walter Garrett, Sr. left an indelible impression in my mind and my spirit on our first encounter in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. I had just been assigned to Douglas Chapel AME Zion Church in Holly Springs, N. C., upon our meeting, he greeted me with "Hello Pastor!" He had joy in his face and was excited to assist me in whatever I needed. What I needed was a place to live and he already had the solution to my problem and found a place for me and my family. The joy and excitement never diminished between us with his "dry humor" for you had to be careful with what he said, and what was not said. Usually what was not said, was what you needed to pay close attention to. I don't think I will ever find another friend like Walter Garrett. I'm not mad at him, I'm excited and joyful that he has gone home to be with the Lord. So let's celebrate his short journey on this celestial ball to everlasting life with our Savior. To Gloria, you've done a magnificent job in partnership with the ministry God had given Walter and your ministry as President of the Central NC Conference Ushers Department. Blessing upon the family, Verlon O. Anderson
During this time of grief, may you find peace in the love and memories you shared with your loved one. His spirit lives on in the lives he touched. Cornell and Ann Alston
During this time of grief, may you find peace in the love and memories you shared with your loved one. His spirit lives on in the lives he touched.
Sorry for your loss. May GOD comfort you and ease your sorry. Classmate and friend, Edna Hinton.
My prayers are with the family during this time. Rev. Jermaine Rogers
Sorry to hear of my cousin passing, our deepest condolences to the family. Geneice & Kenneth Pearson
Tracy, the Class of '66 is praying for you and your entire family doing this difficult time. Remember the good times that you all had together. Continue to rest in peace Rev. Walter. Jean Burt Mangum
My condolences to Gloria and family. May the Lord strengthen you and give you His peace.
Melinda Gibson
My condolences to Gloria and family. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you during this time of grief.
Melinda J. Gibson
Thinking and praying for your family during this difficult time. The Lucas Family, Dunn North Carolina
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.🙏🏽🕊 Bettie,James,Carolyn,Barbara & Family (The Richardson Family)
PRAYERS FOR THE GARRET FAMILY. JENNIE SPEARS ALLEN AND FAMILY
Sadden to hear of Walter leaving us. We all grew up and went to school together. The Garrett's were always a family of love. Petitioning The Lord God Almighty to send Comfort Joy & Peace today,tomorrow & always Much Love JoAnn, Lady,Raymond & Milton McLeod
Praying for the Garrett family. May the Lord give you peace in this difficult time. 🙏 Robert and Brenda Moore, Rush Metropolitan AME Zion Church, Raleigh, NC
To Mrs. Garrett and the entire Garrett family, my sincere condolences in the passing of Rev. Garrett. May the Lord continue to comfort you at this difficult time. May Rev. Garrett rest in eternal peace.
Our deep condolence to the family. Praying for the Garrett family. Clarence & Stephanie Lyon
Our condolence to the family. Praying for the family.
Our deepest condolences to the Garrett family in the passing of you love one. May God continue to comfort you and bring you peace.
Betty Burt-Peebles and family
Deepest condolences to the Garrett family in the loss of your loved one. Belinda Allen-Rice
Sending sympathy, condolences and prayers to my dear friend and family. We sometimes wonder why but we have to remember regardless of the situation "Thy will be done". Will continue to keep you in prayer.
Sending ❤️ and prayers to the Garrett family. S johnson
Sending prayers of comfort and strength to the entire Family. Tonya Burt -Davis
We offer our deepest sympathies to Gloria and the children. We knew Walter as a member of the Fuquay Varina Community Development Corporation; we knew him as a fellow student at Fuquay Consolidated School; and our dear sister Dorothy taught Walter.
Our family will be praying for your peace and comfort.
Catherine W. Jeffries, Dorothy W. McKinnie, Joan W. Goodson, Shirley W. McClain, Magdalene W. Battle, Jane W. Bullock, Jimmy Williams and Stanley Lawrence Williams
To the Garrett family I send sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. May God continue to strengthen and build you up just like he has always done. Praying for you.
We're saddened to hear of the passing our classmate Walter, to Gloria and the children, we offer our condolences and prayers at this of sorrow.
Elder Edward Tony Lucas and family
Deepest condolences and strength to carry on!
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear love one.May God give the you the comfort and strength to see you through this difficult time.Praying for the family. Falton & Varetta Judd
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
Preserve and share memories of your loved one by creating a Forever Missed online memorial. More at Forever Missed