Gail Karen (Roberts) Garmany

Gail Karen Garmany, 72, of Harrison, Tennessee, passed away after a prolonged illness on Friday, September 22, 2023, at her home. She was lovingly cared for by her husband Knox, and her two sons during the final stages of her illness. She received wonderful support from other family members and friends from near and far mainly by phone, texts or in person.

She has resided in Harrison for the last 20 years with her husband after moving from Asheville, North Carolina. She quickly adapted to the beauty and lifestyle of the area. She was of the Episcopalian faith and loved to regularly read the Bible and various religious materials. She was an avid reader and over the years she accumulated a vast collection of books.

She was a graduate of Asheville High School class of 1970. She also attended classes at Southwestern Technical College in Sylva, North Carolina where she was also employed. During her working career she held numerous, mainly clerical positions, in a variety of different types of jobs in educational, manufacturing, retail and banking to name a few. She had a gift of being able to adapt to all the challenges she faced when moving to the different positions she held.

She first met Knox in high school in Asheville and they became high school sweethearts. After high school, Knox went to WCU in Cullowhee, NC and Gail started a job in Asheville. At the end of Knox’s sophomore year, we made the decision to get married. After our marriage, we started our journey together as soul mates and moved to Atlanta. Our journey continued when Knox decided to join the USAF. Both were out of our elements when we were stationed in Omaha NE, harsh winters and no mountains. Our first born, Knox IV, was born in the base hospital.

Our journey continued after the USAF and Knox finished college at WCU. Next was a relocation to two different areas of South Carolina, our second son, Michael was born while living in Rock Hill, SC. A couple more moves, and we ended up in Harrison, TN.

With all the moves, she missed the ability to be with her extended family as well with Knox’s extended family. She cherished every moment of the limited times when we were able to visit, usually during holidays and special occasions. Those visits were filled with love and joy from being around all the wonderful love that was shared by both sides of our families. Those were some of the greatest joys of her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Guy D. Roberts, Sr. and mother, Barbara Chandler Roberts, and brother, Jeffery C. Roberts.

Gail is survived by her husband of 49 years, Henry Knox Garmany III, sons Henry Knox Garmany IV (Christy) and Michael Seth Garmany of Harrison, Tennessee. Brother, Guy D. Roberts, Jr. (Leesa) of Asheville, North Carolina.

Also survived by two grandchildren, Griffan Garmany of Asheville, NC, and Dakota Garmany Calloway of Chattanooga, Tn.

Also survived by two aunts, Susie Ray of Cullowhee, NC, and Marie Ray of Asheville, NC as well as many special cousins, and extended family.

A memorial service will be held on October 21, 2023 at 11:00 am at Grace Episcopal Church located at 871 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC.