James Bailey “J.B.” Garris Jr., age 79, of the 200 block of Vinson Mill Road, died Monday, April 19, 2010, at Sentara Leigh Hospital, Norfolk, Va.
Mr. Garris was born in Hertford County on February 25, 1931, a son of the late James Bailey and Mabel Vinson Garris. He was a member of Meherrin Baptist Church, George Masonic Lodge #17 AF&AM and was a Shriner. J.B. was retired as a soil technician with the NC Department of Transportation.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Ola Barnes Garris of the home; a daughter, Joan Garris Grizzard and husband, Jody, of Murfreesoboro; a son, James Ellis Garris and wife, Del, of Woodland; grandchildren, Jason B. Grizzard and wife, Hadassah, of Raleigh, Justin L. Grizzard of Kill Devil Hills, P. Jill Grizzard of Richmond, Va. and Jonathan M. Garris of Woodland, and a great granddaughter, Annabella Grizzard. Also surviving is a sister, Virginia Dare Britt and husband, Jack, of Murfreesboro and her children, Julie Brickhouse and Jamie Edwards; and a brother-in-law, David Carter Barnes of Boykins, Va.
A celebration of life service was conducted at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2010, at Meherrin Baptist Church with the Rev. Josh Parsons and the Rev. Joe Lassiter officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home. Memorial donations may be made to Meherrin Baptist Church, 519 Meherrin Ave., Murfreesboro, NC, 27855.
Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.garrettjonesfh.com.