WILMINGTON — Charlie Garrett, (almost) 95, entered eternal life, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 12:31pm.
Charles was born April 19, 1930, in Laurens County, SC, the son of the late James Frank Garrett and Elease Gwinn Garrett. In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased by his son, Charles Nichols Garrett, Jr., brother Frank Walker Garrett, brother James Kenneth Garrett and sister Agnes Elease Garrett.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Shirley Townsend Garrett; daughter, Rhonda Garrett Thrasher (Alan); sisters, Margaret Garrett Mauldin (Roy decd), Katheline Garrett McCauley (Horace decd); brother, Anthony Garrett (Betty); sister, Janice Garrett Hart (Louis); eight grandchildren, Sarah Thrasher Carter (Kevin), Mary Thrasher Broyles (Matt), Ann Thrasher Yohr (Jordan), Faye Thrasher Cambron (Daniel), Elease Garrett Mercer (Jamie), Nick Garrett III, Brewer Garrett (Allison), Nathan Garrett and 12 great-grandchildren (and one on the way). Charlie loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Charlie graduated high school at Parker High in Greenville, SC. He enlisted into the US Navy serving at Miramar Air Base just as WWII was ending and then served the balance in the Navy Reserves. After returning, he married the love of his life, Shirley Townsend of Greenville, SC, whom he remained happily married to for 72 years. Charlie and Shirley loved to shag and were quite the couple to watch on the dance floor.
Charlie worked in industrial construction for 45 years with Daniel Construction and Fluor Daniel. After retiring, he helped his son Nick in residential construction and ran the NC DMV License Plate Office for 20 years. Charlie finally retired at the age of 93. Few men have worked as hard for so many years as Charlie. He was respected and loved by his employees and associates.
The family wants to extend a special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Cardiac unit Novant Memorial Hospital for the care, love and compassion shown to Charlie and the family. A special thank you to Dr. Zachary Garrett for his care and guidance.
A private family burial was held April 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St John’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden Fund.
