Gerald Garrett Sr.

Gerald Jerome Garrett, Sr. was born February 7th, 1969, in Flint, Michigan, to Delores Earnest and Jackie Holmes. The eldest of five children, Gerald embraced hisrole as big brother with a deep sense of responsibility, always looking out for and protecting his younger siblings with care and strength.

From a young age, Gerald stood out both as a gifted scholar and a remarkable athlete. He graduated from Northern High School, where he excelled in academics, baseball, and football. Though he earned a football scholarship to Northwestern University, he chose to pursue academic ambitions instead. He was recruited by various
military branches and top universities before ultimately attending New Mexico Military Institute, where he served as a distinguished platoon leader. Gerald was also a proud veteran, having served his country in the United States Marine Corps, a role he carried
with deep honor and pride. Afterward, he earned a Bachelor of Science in ElectricalEngineering from DeVry University in Atlanta, Georgia.

A lifelong learner and forward-thinker, Gerald never stopped growing. His careerled him to many impactful roles, from Webmaster at Kettering University to a long and successful path in I.T. as a Software Developer. Most recently, he completed an
advanced course in Artificial Intelligence, always staying ahead of the curve and pushing himself to new heights.

Gerald's life journey took him from Flint, MI to Roswell, NM, then to Atlanta, GA, Phoenix, AZ, and Port Huron, MI, before ultimately planting roots in Marietta, Georgia. Although being introverted, Gerald loved deeply and lived intentionally. Family meant
everything to him. He found joy in hosting backyard cookouts, where laughter and the smell of the grill brought everyone together. But above all, his greatest joy, and proudest role, was being a father.

From the very beginning, Gerald poured his heart into fatherhood. He guided his son, Gerald Jr., with wisdom, patience, and unwavering support. Through every chapter of life, he remained a steady presence, always showing up, always giving, always loving
without condition. And in return, Gerald Jr. stood faithfully by his father’s side in his final chapter, just as he had been taught.

Gerald was preceded in death by his mother, Delores Earnest; his father, Jackie Holmes; his brother, Derek Garrett; his maternal grandparents, Harry Arthur and Dorothy Mae Garrett; and his great-grandmother, Sarah Harris.

He leaves behind a legacy of strength, deep love, and unwavering loyalty. Gerald J. Garrett, Sr., affectionately known as “Jerome,” is survived by his devoted son, Gerald J. Garrett, Jr.; his brother, Adrian Earnest; his sisters, LaChelle (Deontrez) Singleton                                                                                                                                                                     and LaRhonda Earnest; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, more family, and friends.

His love will forever echo in the hearts of those he touched. His memory will live on, in the stories told, the lessons remembered, and the lives bettered because he was here.

Service is entrusted to Paradise Mortuary and Cremation Services 463 Atlanta St, Marietta, GA 30060

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