Richard Harold Garrett Sr.

He was born in Oconee County, on Garrett Road, on November 18, 1925 to Charlie J. Garrett and Mary Sims Garrett. He was one of eight children. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Kathryn Betty Garrett, for over sixty-nine years. He was a proud and admirable father to his children. He loved his family, friends, and work with all his heart. No matter how successful he became, he remained a humble, generous, and wise man to family and friends alike.

Harold and his wife founded their family business, Garrett Paving Company, in 1957. In 1971, they founded their second business, Garrett Properties (Mi Casa Apartments, Garrett Lakeside, and AAA Mobile Home Park). He also developed two neighborhoods, Harrowford and Planter’s Ridge, in North Oconee. However, before founding any of his businesses, Harold enjoyed building engines and working on cars. He was also an amazing and tough race car driver during the beginnings of racing. He was a beloved fan of Nascar and took great pleasure in tuning into any station that played “Classic Country Music.” Harold and Betty also enjoyed their membership in the Athens Antique Car Club for many years.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife: Kathryn Betty Garrett, his parents, his sisters: Anne Downs, Montine Hammond, Peggy Kendrick, and Evelyn Huff, and brothers: W.C. and Grady Garrett.

He is survived by his sister: Claire G. McDougald, his daughters: Brenda (Bruce) Tuten, Kathy (Ed) Berry, Patti Bernstein (Jimmy-deceased) and special friend, Mark Ruehle, and sons: Chuck (Susie) Garrett and Rick (Angie) Garrett, eight grandchildren: Rick Bernstein, Mary Kate B. Day, Susan B. Ward, Jennifer B. Thwreatt, Charlie Garrett, Victoria G. Chapman, Samuel Garrett, and Alison M. Garcia, and five step-grandchildren: Lora B. Cooley, Robin B. Dance, Jason Bernstein, Blake Haagen, and Kandace G. Finney, and fourteen great-grandchildren: Anna Carlyle, Andy Day, Elliot Gram and Rosie Garrett, Nolah and Charlotte Gordon, Alyson and Brooklyn Sewell, Naomi and Fiona Ward, Vaia Combs, Grayson, Isabela, and Lily Garcia, and eight step-great-grandchildren: Lila Kate Cooley, Abby C. Day; Rachel, Thomas, and Stephen Dance, Callie Bernstein; Quinn and Blair Haagen; and many loving nieces and nephews.

The visitation service will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Bernstein Funeral Home; with an additional hour on Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 10:00am – 11:00am.

The funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 11:00am at Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Davison officiating, and interment will follow the funeral at Evergreen Memorial Park.