Donald "Garrie" Vereen

Donald Garrie Vereen, age 49, Passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 16th, 2011. Garrie was born in High Point, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Donald Vereen Sr. and Joyce Biccum Purvis.

A long time friend of the Athens Band Widespread Panic since 1986, Garrie became a full time employee in 1991 as their equipment manager extraordinaire.

However, his contributions reached far beyond a simple job description; His impeccable work ethic, sense of humor, and Love for the fans was felt throughout the music community of Athens and beyond.

He is survived by his wife, Windy Watson Vereen and children Colin, Everett, and Jane Hunter Vereen, and was preceded in death by his son Forrest Vereen. He is also survived by his brother Kyle Vereen of Bogart, Georgia; and two sisters, Kathleen Hadaway and Jamie Purvis of Woodstock, Georgia, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Kelly and Paige Watson of Atlanta, and much Loved nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy. Athens, Georgia from 3pm-5pm Saturday, February 19th. A celebration of Garrie's life with family and close friends will take place at the Bostwick Farm the following Sunday from 3pm-5pm.

In lieu of flowers, the Vereen Family Trust has been established with the First American Bank & Trust of Athens, GA / 300 College Avenue / Athens, GA. 30601/ (706)354-5000

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.