Mr. William Devereaux (W.D.) Jarrett, Sr., 95, died Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Harborview Health Systems in Thomaston. Mr. Jarrett, born March 5, 1924 in Lumpkin, was the son of the late Alex Ramsey Jarrett, Sr. and Halley Parker Jarrett. He was a longtime resident of Columbus.
Mr. Jarrett served in the United States Navy during World War II. He joined the Navy in 1942 when he was 18 years old. He served on the USS Pope, a destroyer escort, as a Carpenter’s Mate Third Class. On June 4, 1944, he was part of an anti-submarine task force that participated in the historic capture of U-505, a German submarine, in the Atlantic Ocean. For this, he and the other members of the group were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. His service lasted until January 1946.
On March 16, 1946, Mr. Jarrett married Frieda Parker. They raised two sons. He owned three Texaco service stations and retired in the late 1980s. Mr. Jarrett was devoted to his family and was affectionately called “Ole Pop” by his grandchildren. He enjoyed church activities, gardening, fishing, and helping his family and neighbors. He was generous, kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He also enjoyed caring for his cat Frankie. He attended Edgewood Baptist Church in Columbus.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years Frieda Parker Jarrett of Thomaston, son Larry Jarrett (Tamra) of Meansville, daughter-in-law Birdie Jarrett, 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, sister Betty Middlebrooks, and numerous nieces and nephews. Other than his parents, Mr. Jarrett was preceded in death by his son William Devereaux Jarrett, Jr., brother Alex Ramsey Jarrett, Jr., sister Eleanor Grimes, sister Francis Tilley, and stepmother Virginia Jarrett.
The funeral service for Mr. Jarrett will be held Monday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Columbus. Pastor Andy Merritt will officiate. Family and friends may arrive at 1 p.m. for visitation. Burial will follow at Parkhill Cemetery.
Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so at Edgewood Baptist Church, 3564 Forrest Rd, Columbus, GA 31907. Fond memories and condolences may be left for the Jarrett family at www.shcolumbus.com.
