George Russell Garrett

George Russell Garrett passed away Monday, September 3 at his home. Born February 18, 1915 in Lebanon, VA, he was the son of the late George M. and Nannie Gibson Garrett.

Russell was a graduate of Lebanon High School and went on to graduate from Bluefield College in 1934. He began his employment at Pocahontas Fuel Company store in Amonate, VA as a store clerk.  He later was promoted to bookkeeper and transferred to Pocahontas, VA.  Russell continued working for Pocahontas Fuel Company (later Consol) for more than 40 years as a comptroller and accountant until his retirement in 1978. During World War II, he proudly served in the United States Navy from 1943-1945 aboard the LST 878 in the Pacific.

Russell and his wife Minnie set up their home and raised their daughter Charlynne in the Nemours valley community.  They spent the majority of their adult lives there before moving to Bluefield, VA in 1983. Russell was a devoted and faithful Christian.  He volunteered his time and talents for more than 40 years as Treasurer of First United Methodist Church, Pocahontas and later for more than 30 years at First United Methodist Church, Bluefield, VA.   He was an avid gardener and particularly enjoyed sharing his homegrown tomatoes with friends and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Minnie P. Garrett in 2000, and three sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Charlynne Kovach of Bluefield, VA; three grandchildren, Dr. David A. Kovach, II and wife Beth of Cornelius, NC, Cheryl Gamble and husband Travis of Augusta, GA, and Ann Marie Whaley and husband Tim of Charlotte, NC; seven great grandchildren, and three nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at First United Methodist Church, Bluefield, VA on Friday, September 6, 2019 at 11 am with the Rev. Dr. Jay Ferguson and the Rev. Dr. Don Scott officiating. Friends may call at the church from 10 am until the hour of the service. Burial will follow at Russell Memorial Cemetery, Lebanon, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the charity or church of your choice.