Ben C. Garrett, Sr

Ben C. Garrett Sr. was born to Morris and Mildred Garrett of Grafton West Virginia on June 21, 1939.   Ben along with his siblings was raised in West Virginia where he attended grammar school and high school before joining the military.  While in the Army, he met and fell in love with Fannie Ivy of Chicago, Illinois.  The two married in Washington County, Maryland on August 23rd, 1959.   

The family lived first in Chicago and then West Virginia.  Ben worked for B & O as the first black engineer traveling through out the east coast until he retired in 1986.  Ben and his family moved back to Chicago where he started a career in public works for the City of Country Club Hills for almost two decades.  In 2007, Fannie and Ben retired to West Virginia.

Ben enjoyed sports.  He played for the 1955 State Championship Grafton Bearcat football team.  He enjoyed playing pool and playing the lottery regularly.  Ben loved motorcycles and cars.  He took intense pride in the customization of his motorcycles and the weekly maintenance of his vehicles prior to his illness.  Most of all Ben loved having a good time. 

Ben C. Garrett passed away peacefully on the afternoon of December 3rd in his home in Grafton West Virginia.

Ben is preceded in death by his wife Fannie Garrett; by his mother Morris and Mildred Garrett; by his brothers Morris Sr., John Henry, Fred, Jerry, and his sister Dora; He is survived by his sisters Betty and Maybelle and his brother Robert; his children Brian (Crystal) Garrett, Mildred Stubbs, Virgil (Patricia) Garrett, and Ben Garrett Jr; and by four grandchildren Allen Garrett, Janelle Stubbs, Julian Stubbs Jr., and Camrin Garrett; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Our Papa’s legacy to me will always be the importance of work life balance.  It’s important to work hard to provide for yourself and your family but It’s just as important to enjoy your life.  You must cherish your family, friends, and all the good things life has to offer.  Surround yourself with people you trust that have the same values as you and that will have your back when times get tough.  Most importantly no one is going to give you anything – work harder, faster, and smarter.  And make sure you play your birthday twice a year.

. Friends may call at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., on Tuesday,  December 10,  2019 2-8PM., Funeral  services will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at 11AM, with his Grandson Julian Stubbs, Jr.  officiating.  Interment will follow at the WV National Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the VFW Memorial City Post #3081, American Legion Taylor County Post # 12, Centeral WV DAV24 and their auxiliaries, and the honor guard from Camp Dawson.

Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Garrett family. Online condolences  can be sent to the Garrett family at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com

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