Joseph Ray Garrett's Obituary
Joseph Ray Garrett was born on April 5, 1919 in View (Burley) Idaho, the son of Joseph Burgess and Barbara Patterson Garrett. Ray passed away on December 8, 2017 as a result of TMB (too many birthdays). When he was 5 years old, his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he learned to work hard to help support his family during the depression. He graduated from East High School in 1936. His parents were best friends with the Grays, whose daughter, DeLora, caught his eye. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 12, 1941. Because of world conditions and the war, Ray found it in his best interest to join the armed forces, and in 1943 joined the Volunteer Army Air Corps. After basic and cadet training he was sent to several air field locations and by this time (1945) the war was gearing down and he was given the choice to reenlist or leave for home. He returned home to his wife and, by now, his two children. A very memorable two years in Ray and DeLora’s life. They became the parents of 7 children and now have 36 grandchildren and 74 great-grandchildren. They had been married for 71 years when Delora passed away on August 22, 2012.
Dad devoted his life to serving his family and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served as a bishop, patriarch, missionary (with Delora to the Canada British Columbia and Salt Lake Central Missions), and as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple for 30 years.
He worked hard as a mechanic to support his family and then would spend countless hours after work remodeling or fixing up the old family home. There was seldom a project or problem that Dad couldn’t fix. He was a handyman for all seasons. He loved working in his garden which was the showplace of the neighborhood. After moving to Centerville in 2006 where he no longer had a garden of his own, he found great joy helping his new friend, Bobby Baldree, with his beautiful yard and garden.
Dads simple rules for living a long and healthy life: Don’t buy new, only purchase what you can afford, eat well and keep active, work hard and serve the Lord with all of your heart, might, mind and strength.
Ray is survived by six of his children: Shauna (Doug) Linde, Rand (Karen) Garrett, Barbara Guzman, Jan (Blaine) Greenhalgh, Vern (Nanette) Garrett, and Judy (Chuck) Gilmore; two brothers, Ralph Garrett and Max Garrett and one sister Ruth Mackay. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delora and infant son, Mark.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 16, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the Centerville 5th Ward building, 270 North 300 East, Centerville, Utah. Friends may call on Friday evening from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at the Church address and at the Church from 9:30 to 10:45 AM Saturday. Interment, with military honors, at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?