Cary Poindexter Garrett

Cary Poindexter Garrett (also known as Opa) age 97, passed away on April 21, 2025. He was born in Temple Texas on November 15, 1927, but lived in Jacksonville, Florida for most of his life.

Cary served time in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He was stationed in California, afterwards he returned to Jacksonville. Cary was a graduate of Massey Business College with a concentration of instruction in Higher Accounting and C.P.A. He later continued his studies at Jacksonville University. Over the years he worked as a stockboy at Kress’, a bookkeeper in Accounts Receivable at Standard Oil and then did the same at Petroleum Carrier. He next became an accountant with Weatherby Tool & Die Company where he had a long career before retiring.

He was an avid saltwater fisherman and was particularly skilled at catching flounder. He said his secret was to count to 20 after you feel the flounder bite before you set the hook because otherwise, they will just let go. He and his wife made many happy memories during retirement years at the Beachcomber RV Park in St. Augustine. He liked working in his yard, doing projects around the house, going to garage sales/flea markets and getting a hot dog at Sam’s Club. One of his sayings was: “Never back up your car even an inch more than you need to, so you do not hit something.” He loved afternoons on his porch glider with his wife, drinking coffee, reading the paper and eating a cookie or a piece of cake. Another favorite of his was having ice cream before bedtime.

He is survived by his loving wife of 77 years, Lorraine Kratz Garrett and their children Gary T. Garrett (Alison) and Michael W. Garrett (Jeanine), 6 grandchildren, Jennifer Williams (Chris), Greg Garrett, Chris Garrett (Katie), Carrie Sutter (Matt), Clay Garrett (Jessica) and Cory Garrett (JoAnna) and 11 great grandchildren, Jeramiah, Lillian, Ethan, Celia, Clara, Ronin, Bruce, Connor, Rudy, Adeline, and Finn.

A family graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:00am officiated by Chaplin Brent Beaird at the Evergreen Cemetery 4535 Main St. Jacksonville, FL 32206.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jacksonville University Scholarship Fund 2800 University Blvd. N.  Jacksonville, FL 32211