Billy Allen Garrett

Bill Garrett, 85, a long-time resident of Atlanta and Rome GA passed away at his Lenbrook residence on April 14th, 2016. His wife of 62 years, Gloria Steadman was with him.

Bill Garrett was born at the family farm in Gates, TN on February 10, 1931. Raised during the hardscrabble Depression years, the family grew cotton, corn, cattle, hogs, chickens and a house garden. Studying by an oil lamp, Bill graduated third in his Halls, TN high school class. He worked his way through an associate’s degree at the University of Tennessee, Martin and earned his B. S. in horticulture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

It was during his Knoxville years that Bill met his future wife, Gloria. They were married May 24, 1953, just after Bill had finished his basic training with the U.S. Army. During the Korean War, Bill served the Army as a food inspector, both stateside and in Japan for 18 months .Upon discharge, Bill joined Crawford and Company as an insurance adjustor. The company offered Bill a job in Rome, Ga. where they lived for 35 years. Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit took over when he went in business with Sam Shapard at Roman Chemical Co. in1961for the next 24 years. Bill also had an interest in Owens King men’s clothier in Rome.

Upon selling their businesses, the Garretts moved to Atlanta. Bill wasn’t ready to retire, so he became a certified financial planner for the next several years. Finally, upon reaching his 65th birthday, Bill retired completely.

Bill and Gloria were very active in retirement, traveling the world and splitting their time at home between Atlanta and Fort Myers, FL. Bill enjoyed The International Club, dancing, Sunday School at the United Methodist Church and turning strangers into friends.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria, sons Lee and Steven Nancy of Atlanta, brother Ed Liz of Athens, AL, several nieces and 1 grandson. Arrangements for a memorial service at Lenbrook are pending.