Dr. Earl Garrett, Jr.

Dr. Earl Garrett, Jr. was born on August 23, 1933 to the late Louise Johnson Garrett and Earl Garrett, Sr. in Montclair, New Jersey.  He was the third born of four siblings, Ruth Garrett Washington, Doris Garrett McLeod and Robert Allan Garrett. Earl departed this earthly journey and transitioned to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at the Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

Earl accepted the Lord at a very young age.  He continued his spiritual growth by attending his home church, St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair, NJ where he was an active member until 2016 when he moved to Columbia, South Carolina to be with family due to health issues.  He continued to be part of the St. Paul ministry through their online services.

Earl attended Montclair schools graduating from Montclair High School in 1950 where he had a love for learning and football.  He attended Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, NC) graduating in 1955 where he played quarterback and joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  Earl was drafted into the United States Army and served for a few years.

While attending Montclair High School, Earl met his soulmate and future wife, Marian L. Sharpe.  High school sweethearts, they were married in 1958.  They remained married until her passing in 2005.  From their union one daughter was born, Stephanie L. Garrett McKenny.

After graduating from FSU and serving in military, Earl continued his education attending University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.  He graduated in 1974 and during that same year he opened his own dental office in East Orange, New Jersey.  He served his many patients for over 40 years.

Dr. Earl Garrett was known for his warm and welcoming personality, sense of humor and genuine love, which will never be forgotten.  He has been affectionately called, “Buck Buck” and “Poppy,” which his granddaughter, the late Crystal I. Garrett, called him along with many others in the community.  

In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Marian L. Garrett; his granddaughter, Crystal I. Garrett; sisters, Doris L. McLeod and Ruth J. Washington; and brother, Robert A. Garrett.

Left to cherish his precious memories are his daughter, Stephanie L. (Levern) McKenny; grandsons, Josiah McKenny and Joseph McKenny; niece, Cynthia (Marshall) Washington Jeffries; nephew, Charles J. (Robyn) Washington, III; great-grandchildren, Nicole Stone, Jasmine Garrett, Keoni Isaac and Kymani Isaac; and a host of cousins, loving relatives and friends.

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