In Memoriam: Thomas R. Garrett
We are saddened to pass along the news that SABR member Tom Garrett, 63, of Suffolk, Virginia, died on February 18, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer and a stroke. Tom was a SABR member since 1990 and a longtime supporter of the Negro Leagues Research Committee and the Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference. He touched the lives of many people with his smile and kindness and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.
A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, he was the son of the late Maynard W. and Shirley J. Garrett. A member of Community Church at Western Branch, he was a retired Portsmouth School administrator and adjunct instructor at Old Dominion University. A noted local sports historian, he was the author of four books on sports in the Hampton Roads area. An avid fan of Old Dominion University sports, he could often be found at Monarchs football, basketball or other sporting events. He also held membership in the Portsmouth Sports Club, Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Friends of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years,Carol Duvall Garrett; a son, Andrew H. Garrett and wife Jenna; a grandson, Elisha Gideon Garrett; a brother and sister-in-law, Jan and Elinor Heermans; a niece, Kathleen Howell and husband Brian, special cousins, John H. James, Janice Maw, Frank Borum and John Borum, Rachel Chinn; and his brothers and sisters in Christ, the Darden and Legg Community Groups of Community Church at Western Branch.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 22, at Community Church at Western Branch. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Unleashed Fund of Community Church at Western Branch.
Originally published: February 20, 2014. Last Updated: February 20, 2014.