Norvin Wile Garrett

Norvin Wile Garrett, 95, of 112 Dogwood Landing, Harrellsville, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2015, in his home where he was surrounded by his family. Mr. Garrett was born in Wilson, NC on July 12, 1920, and was the only child of the late Noah S. and Eula Davis Garrett. A 1936 graduate of Ahoskie High School, he attended The Citadel in Charleston, SC for two years and graduated from Duke University in 1940 with a degree in Business Administration. A Navy veteran of World War II, he began active duty in September 1941, was commissioned an Ensign, and was assigned to the Naval War College in Newport, RI. In April 1942 he reported to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii serving in the Operations Section of Cincpac Staff under Admiral Nimitz and served as Assistant Operations Officer on the staff until the end of World War II. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1955 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In 1945 he returned to Ahoskie and was employed with Garrett's, Inc. in both the furniture and funeral departments of their business. In 1949 he received his North Carolina Funeral Director's license, and expanding his business, he later purchased both Holland Funeral Home in Murfreesboro and Baugham & Weaver Funeral Home in Rich Square. Other interests included he and partners developing Highland Memorial Gardens in Ahoskie, and Southampton Memorial Park in Franklin, VA, both perpetual care cemeteries. After more than 50 years in the funeral business, Mr. Garrett retired in 1991. Community involvement included membership in the Ahoskie Kiwanis Club, charter membership in the Ahoskie Jaycees, service as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, and service as President of the Roanoke Chowan Broadcasting Corp., (WRCS Radio). Surviving are his wife of nearly 36 years, Ruth Dail Austin Garrett; and two daughters, Elaine Garrett Evans, and Lauretta Garrett Callies and husband David, all of Honolulu, Hawaii. Also surviving are Ruth's children, Steve Wilson and wife Dean of Clayton, Dail Davis and husband Lewis of Rocky Mount, Terry Wilson and wife Pam of Ahoskie, and Brenda Cote of Murfreesboro. Together Norvin and Ruth share 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Ahoskie Cemetery and will be officiated by Pastor Greg Hurdle and the Rev. Dr. Jesse Croom. Entombment will follow in the family mausoleum. Friends may join the family at the residence. Arrangements are being handled by Miller Funeral Home of Gatesville. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.