Ralph Garland

Notes:

UNICOI - Ralph Charles Garland, age 89, Unicoi, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, March 10, 2019 while he was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born at his home place in Unicoi County, where he also passed. Ralph lived in Jacksonville, FL for fourteen years before returning to Unicoi County. He was a son of the late David H. and Joann Slagle Garland.

Ralph Garland, A1C was a United States Air Force Veteran having served his country honorably during the Korean War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. While he was stationed in England, he met and married the love of his life, Joan Elsie Carter Baxter Garland.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Johnson City, former member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Jacksonville and Centenary United Methodist Church, Erwin. Ralph served as the Superintendent of Sunday School Classes and was very involved in the churches.

Ralph retired from CSX Transportation in 1988 after thirty-three years of service. He calculated the rates for the freight shipments.

He enjoyed Square Dancing and Line Dancing with his beautiful wife. Ralph enjoyed raising a vegetable garden and grew the most delicious tomatoes and corn. He helped build the huge, red family barn which still stands today.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of sixty-four years, Joan Elsie Carter Baxter Garland on February 27, 2019; four brothers: Lewis Garland, Clyde Garland, D.H. Garland and Alvin Garland; three sisters: Charlotte Garland, Daisy Anderson and Pansy Wilson.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his dedicated and loving daughter, Michelle Browning (Robert), Jacksonville; two grandsons: Christopher Browning (Danielle), Jacksonville, Jonathan Browning, Gainsville; three great grandchildren: Mekdes Browning, Daggie Browning and Thea Browning, all of Jacksonville; his first cousin, Garland Anderson, Johnson City; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Jane Taylor will officiate at the 11:00 A.M. celebration of life service on Saturday, March 16, 2019 in the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. Military Honors will be rendered by Carter County Honor Guard.