William Garrett

W. Walton Garrett passed away on September 24, 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado surrounded by family.

Walton was born on August 13, 1926 to Bascom and Josephine Garrett in Birmingham, Alabama.  He has an older brother Henry and a younger sister, Mary Louise.  Walton graduated from Avondale High School in 1944.  In high school, Walton really enjoyed the Methodist Youth Fellowship and the many opportunities that scouting provided ultimately achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

In the midst of World War II, Walton joined the service as part of the Army Specialized Training Program, which included studies at The University of Florida, Oregon State, and Oklahoma State.  After the war Walton used his GI Bill to earn a business degree from The University of Alabama.  He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and religious editor for the university newspaper.  While there he met fellow graduate student Marion Huey while Christmas Caroling with the Wesley Foundation.  They got pinned on Valentines’ Day, were engaged at Easter and married July 30, 1950.  Daughter Susan was born October 20, 1951 and son William was born on October 24, 1952.

Walton went to work for his father’s business, W.W. Garrett and Son Poultry and Eggs, and attended law school at night.  Walton graduated from the Birmingham School of Law and later received a Master of Laws degree from Yale University.  In 1962, Walton accepted a teaching position at the new Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in Memphis, Tennessee.  Walton thoroughly enjoyed both teaching and writing as a professor there for 24 years.   He authored the book Tennessee Family Law as well as a monthly newsletter, and his legal writing occupied him well into his 80s.

In 1986, Walton and Marion retired and moved to Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.  Their deep faith in Jesus led them to be involved in many religious and community organizations.  They were chosen to receive the Chief Junaluska Award, for their outstanding service and philanthropy.  The two faithfully attended First United Methodist Church in Waynesville for many years.  Because of their belief in lifelong education, they established several scholarships for local residents.   Walton and Marion were instrumental in founding Habitat for Humanity in Haywood County, which ultimately provided over 50 homes in the community.  Walton volunteered with Habitat until the age of 89 and was humbled to learn that the Village of Walton Woods in Waynesville would be named after him.

Walton was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Marion and son William, as well as his sister, Mary Louise.  He is survived by his daughter, Susan Hodgson and son-in-law Mark, as well as his brother Henry Garrett and sister-in-law Ann.  He is loved and remembered by his grandchildren Greg Hodgson and wife Elizabeth, Lisa Mase, David Hodgson and wife Casey, as well as Angela Hearn and husband JT.  He also was blessed to have four great-grandchildren in his life:  Lindsay, Garrett, Rivers, and Alice.

Family visitation will be from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the Nanci Weldon Gym at Lake Junaluska.  Walton’s family will receive friends and neighbors, please come and share memories of a life well lived.  A private graveside service will be held on October 7, 2020.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Haywood County, P.O. Box 283, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mr. Garrett has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes.