William “Bill” Elgin Garrett Jr. was born on January 7, 1939, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Garrett Sr. and Margaret Garrett. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family and the legacy of a life well lived.

Bill was the oldest of eight children — six brothers, J.C., Melvin, Jerry, Mike, Chris, and Charles, and one sister, Debbie. He often spoke fondly of his childhood in Little Rock, where life was simple and adventurous beneath the tall pines and along dusty country roads.

As a boy, he spent his days fishing, skipping rocks, climbing trees, and exploring the outdoors, memories he carried and shared throughout his life.

At the age of 12, Bill moved with his parents and brothers to Rio Linda, California, in an old truck. While riding in the back of the truck, even then, Bill naturally stepped into the role of protector, making sure none of his younger brothers were left behind.

Bill later returned to Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock Technical High School in 1956. His technical education became the foundation for a lifetime of remarkable skill and craftsmanship. There seemed to be nothing Bill could not build, repair, or figure out. From homes and automobiles to motorcycles and musical instruments, his garage became both workshop and classroom for countless projects over the years.

Early in his career, Bill worked as a camera operator for KATV Channel 7 in Little Rock, covering news, weather, and sports.

Bill also proudly served his country in the National Guard with the 39th Infantry Division Medical Battalion. In 1957, during the integration crisis at Little Rock Central High School, President Dwight D. Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard to maintain peace and order. Bill was ordered to active federal duty from September 24, 1957, to May 29, 1958, serving during one of the most significant moments in American civil rights history.

On October 20, 1961, Bill married the love of his life, Jenna. Together they shared 61 years of marriage before Jenna’s passing on January 1, 2023. Their marriage was a true partnership built on faith, devotion, and unwavering support for one another. Together, they were longtime members of Bethel Baptist Church.

Jenna encouraged every dream Bill pursued, and he often credited her for all they built together. Side by side, they built a home in Little Rock and raised their three children: Sharon, Karen, and David. Throughout their lives, Bill and Jenna were known for their generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike.

After his military service, Bill began a career with the United States Postal Service as an electronic technician, helping maintain the first letter sorting machine in Little Rock. After attending several advanced postal training programs in Norman, he was invited to join the Technical Training Center as an instructor.

In 1973, Bill and Jenna moved their family to Norman, where Bill became an Advanced Electronic Instructor. Until his retirement in 1992, he taught hundreds of students from across the country how to maintain and repair sophisticated mail-sorting and automation equipment.

He deeply enjoyed mentoring others and often shared stories from his travels to postal facilities nationwide. One of his favorite memories was hearing a group call out “Mr. Garrett!” while walking the streets of New York City — former students recognizing and greeting the teacher they never forgot.

In 1991, Bill and Jenna renovated a lake house at Catfish Bay on Lake Texoma, creating a place where family often gathered. There, they enjoyed fishing, boating, sunsets over the water, and precious time with their grandchildren.

Bill approached life with endless curiosity and enthusiasm. His hobbies and talents were many: rescue scuba diver, golfer, boater, woodworker, pilot, locksmith, craftsman, and musician. He earned his private pilot’s license and spent years flying his beloved Cessna 182. As a certified locksmith for the Postal Service, he became skilled at re-keying locks and even cracking safes.

Perhaps one of Bill’s greatest artistic passions was becoming a self-taught luthier. He handcrafted violins, dulcimers, and mandolins from scratch, designing his own templates and jigs and carefully completing each instrument by hand in his garage. His craftsmanship became part of his family’s story as grandchildren proudly played his instruments in school performances through the years.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Jenna, two brothers, and other cherished family members. He leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure his wisdom, humor, creativity, and example of hard work and faith.

He is survived by his children: Sharon Garrett, Karen Griffin and husband Sherman; and David Garrett and wife Cindy.

Grandchildren: Lindsay Demeter and husband Jordan; Lesley Pillars and husband Matt; Erica Elliott and husband Matt; Paul Turner; Cerissa Howard and husband Jake; Kelsey Bates and husband Nick; Krissy Griffin; and Kyle Garrett.

Great-grandchildren: Carson Turner, Morgan Demeter, Audrey Turner, Jase Demeter, Rhyder Howard, Ellie Howard, Eli Elliott, and a baby girl expected soon.

Pallbearers: Kyle Garrett, Paul Turner, Carson Turner, Matt Pillars, Jordan Demeter, Matt Elliott, Scott Garrett, and Jake Howard

Music will be provided by Bill’s brother, Charles Garrett, and nephew, Scott Garrett.