Edwin Grier Garrett, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. 

Edwin “Ed” Grier Garrett was born on February 10, 1953, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to his parents, Mabel and O’Donald Garrett. The seventh of eleven children, Ed grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the bonds of a large and devoted household. On August 13, 2026, in Peoria, Arizona, Ed peacefully departed this life, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of quiet strength, warmth, and love.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Barbara G. Lanier and Wandra Elaine Garrett; and his brothers, O’Donald, Willie Alvin, Hudson Lee, and Lonnie Ralph Garrett.

He leaves to treasure his memory his daughter, Danielle Leak Lewis; his son, Ryan Garrett; his granddaughters, Vanessa Lewis and Je’Riah Garrett; his grandson, Taccofah Lewis; and his dear siblings, Samuel (Margaret) Garrett of Charlotte, NC, Gwen Garrett of Peoria, AZ, Rev. Harry A. (Sharon Randle) Garrett of Dallas, TX, and Thomas (Melissa) Garrett of Charlotte, NC. Ed also lovingly embraced Nyla Weaver as a god-granddaughter. He will be remembered with affection by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

Ed was a proud graduate of Olympic High School, where he graduated with honors in 1971. He later attended Central Piedmont Community College and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before answering the call to serve his country. Ed served faithfully in the Army and Army Reserves for 13 years. After his military service, he built a dedicated 27-year career with the federal government as a Human Resources Specialist in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Among his treasured memories from his years with the State Department were meeting former Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and Hillary Clinton. He retired from the U.S. Department of State in 2019, having served with commitment and pride.

Ed had a curious mind and a lifelong love of reading. He could often be found with a newspaper or magazine in hand, taking in the world around him one story at a time. He fondly remembered the comic books he collected as a child and often wished he had held onto them. He also enjoyed sports and carried the joyful memory of attending a Washington Nationals game against the Philadelphia Phillies when President Barack Obama threw out the first pitch.

In his later years, Ed made his home in Peoria, Arizona, where he attended a Life Enrichment Program and became a cherished part of the Lucy Ann’s Place community. He was well loved by the staff and members there and enjoyed outings to movies, museums, and restaurants. Ed’s gentle spirit, steady presence, and kind heart will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know and love him.