Lee Garrett
Lee Garrett was born August 17, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He received his wings to heaven on March 10, 2021, and is reunited with his father William H. “Bill” Garrett, Sr., mother Eleene E. Stainer Garrett, sister Patricia “Pat” Schlesier and her husband Robert Schlesier, and brother William H. “Buddy” Garrett, Jr.
Celebrating his life, his wife of 55 years Peggy Clardy Garrett of Benton, daughters Machelle Garrett of Little Rock; Stacy Thomas (Scott) of Benton; son Jonathan Garrett of Malvern; grandchildren Cameron Still of New York; Carah Still of Little Rock; his brother Joseph M. “Joe” Garrett (Susie) of Hot Springs; sister-in-law Mei Chu Garrett of Sardis and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Lee was a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he gave his life to Jesus in January 1986. He graduated from Bryant High School in 1963 and attended UALR. He served six years in the United States Army National Guard where he was nominated for State Adjutant General’s Award. He separated service as an E-6 Staff Sgt. in 1972.
“Levi” retired from Alcoa after 34 years working as a general maintenance mechanic. There he was privileged to serve the membership of Local 4880 United Steelworkers of America, as a local union officer. Some of his most rewarding opportunities were serving on Safety & Health and Pension & Insurance committees.
In retirement, he was a member of Steelworker Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), where he continued to represent his fellow union brothers and sisters and their families. He eagerly assisted anyone with insurance or benefit issues and tackled them with determination, words of wisdom and knowledge, with heart and soul, until they were resolved.
Lee was an avid bowhunter and bass fisherman. He loved the outdoors and fellowship with those he spent time enjoying God’s creation. He would joke about being a bass fisherman saying he “wasn’t smart enough to be a good crappie fisherman”. One hobby that he truly enjoyed was creating custom bass fishing jigs. He often shared these gems with those who showed any interest in fishing and to those that had helped him out in some way. He offered advice on how best to use these works of art sharing “these are some of the best jigs ever made”. Nothing delighted him more than hearing of a fisherman who had won a tournament with one. In his words, “It gives you satisfaction to trick a fish with something you built”.
Lee had a great love for the Lord and studying scripture. He had a genuine desire to serve others in whatever capacity he could. It was his calling throughout his life.
Thank you to the many friends and family for the calls, cards and special treats throughout his illness. Your gestures of kindness meant so much to him and he loved you all.
Special thanks to Dr. Christopher Johns, Ann Schweitzer and staff of Southwest Pulmonary Associates, Katherine Knight, Trish Cullum and Hospice Home Care for your compassionate care.
Pallbearers: Roger Schlesier, Ted Schlesier, Dennis Garrett, Joe Garrett, Caleb Leslie, Dan Smith, Oscar Murdock, Ambrose Watts
Honorary Pallbearers: Leland Turbyfill, Dan Henry,
Jackie Pelton, William “Bill” Hogue, George Bowen, Steve Moore, Jack Leech, Jackie Cochran, Leroy Sossaman and Jim Brumley.
Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, at Fairplay Cemetery with Bro. Rick Porter, Bro. Vance Nutt and Dan Henry officiating.
Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home on Monday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com