William’s life began Dec. 22, 1921, in Morning, Tenn., the son of Larkin and Oma (Benthal) Garrett.

On April 29, 1941, he married Minnie Maude Bridges.

He proudly served his country from 1943 to 1945 in the U.S. Army.

After his return from the service he worked for Clark Equipment as a welder.

He taught himself math and learned how to read by reading the Bible.

At the age of 9 William had to be the head of the household for his family.

He always had a side job to take care of his family.

His greatest joy was his family which includes: his wife of 69 years, Minnie; his children, Bonnie Cummings of Climax, William (Marlene) Garrett of Lake Port,  Linda (Sam) Ioanidis of Romeo and David (Karen) Garrett of Barrington, Ill.; sisters, Mary (Jim) Weatherly, Wilimae (Bill) Price and Evelyn (Alvin) Smith; brother, Edward (Ethel) Garrett; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

William, 88, of Romeo, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away at his home on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010.

His family will gather with friends on Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be held at 1p.m. led by the Rev. Orliss Terry of  Missionary Baptist Church.

He will be laid to rest at Hamilton Cemetery in Decatur.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Missionary Baptist Church.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of William at www.yazel-clark.com http://www.yazel-clark.com/.