Kenneth Gene Garris

Kenneth Gene Garris enlisted in the US Army at age 18 on May 3,1960 in New Bern, NC. He completed his basic training at Fort Jackson, SC then after 8 weeks he was sent to Fort Knox, KY for 6 months of Mechanic School. Afterwards, he was shipped out to Baumholder, Germany to the 20th transportation battalion. They supplied the Infantry with vehicles, trucks and tanks when needed to go on Maneuvers. Congress soon passed a Law that mobilized the Infantry and the Company was disbanded. He was sent to the 16th Infantry Golden Arrow 8 Division. He was a line mechanic, supervisor of the paint and welding shop. He also had a country music band; they traveled all over Germany playing on the Bases. Gene even played with Patsy Cline once. While in Germany, Gene met and married Heidi his first wife and returned home a Specialist E-4 on April 12, 1963 and later had two children, Danny and Denise. Gene served 3 more years on inactive standby and eventually was Honorably discharged. Gene worked at Hatteras Yachts as a foreman for many years, and then began his long career as a painting contactor as Gene Garris Painting and was a building contractor as Southland Construction for a short while. He also earned his GED and Photography degree and did side jobs as Gene Garris Photography. Gene loved to play music and traveled and played with various Gospel groups as well as the Praise Team at Church. He also loved to work on his many old cars. Gene was a lifetime member of the Twin Rivers Corvette Club. Gene was also very active in the Church. He was an ordained licensed Minister, and also served as Boy Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Music Ministry, Royal Rangers Ministry, Prison Ministry and many other ministries in his church throughout the years. Towards his final years, Gene passionately served 20+ years as a Sunday school teacher with his class at Cornerstone Church, which he dearly loved. Gene loved the Lord and would always share with others words of faith and encouragement. He always strived to live his life in a way that would honor and bring glory to the Lord.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Beverly Garris of 45 years, Brothers, Tim Garris and Paul Garris. Sister, Patsy Garris. Son, Danny Garris and wife Deana. Daughters, Denise Garris Mercer, and Brook Garris Mercer. Grandchildren, Kenny Mercer (Hannah), Jessica Acevedo and husband Chris, Emily Spruill (Jeremy), Scott Mercer. Great-grandchildren, Jennings, Braxton, Grayson, Waylon, Christopher, Lilliana, and Roman.

He is predeceased by; His father, Thurman Monroe Garris, Sr. His mother, Thelma Bell Garris. His brothers, Bobby Garris and Billy Garris.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Gene's honor to Craven County Health Department (or CCHD) Hospice Foundation, Inc., P.O. Drawer 12610, New Bern, NC 28561.

A Lakeside Chapel Service will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM in Greenleaf Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors. A reception will follow the service to all those attending. He will be laid to rest in Greenleaf Memorial Park Cemetery, 900 River Rd., New Bern, NC 28560. Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Gene Garris.