Jimmy Lane Garland, lovingly known to many as “The Insurance Man”, 69 of Woodway, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, December 15, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
Home Going Service and Visitation: Saturday, December 23, 2017 at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 9797 South 3rd Street, Downsville, TX 76706, beginning at 11:00AM with visitation and a celebration service to begin at 12:00PM with Dr. Thomas E. Malone, officiating.
Burial: Immediately following the service at Mount Olive Cemetery with pallbearers, Dennis DeGrate, Delano F. DeGrate, Reginald DeGrate, Richard DeGrate, Almanard DeGrate, Christopher Bush, Lance Tatum, Ken Tatum, Michael DeGrate and Allen Flye, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmy’s fellow Deacons at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
Jimmy Lane Garland was born on March 8, 1948 in Phoenix, Arizona to the late Wallace Garland and Eloise Jordan Harper.
Jimmy received his early childhood education in Los Angeles, California and later graduated high school in Flint, Michigan in 1966. Immediately following high school, he was drafted into the United States Army where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He served in the Army and Army Reserves for a total of 17 years.
While stationed in Fort Hood, he met the love of his life, Verta DeGrate. They married in 1970 and shared 47 years of special memories as a loving, inseparable couple. They raised their two daughters and established their home in Waco, Texas. Jimmy was a doting father whose love for his family was palpable. While caring for his family, he was a dedicated and well-known insurance salesman winning various awards and accolades for his innovative strategies. He also served for 11 years at the Veteran’s Administration Regional Office before retiring in 2007 from Alcoa where he worked on the water treatment system.
Jimmy was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church where he served and worked in various positions including deacon, church clerk, brotherhood member, finance team member and male chorus member. He loved Mt. Olive as he fondly referred to as “Holy Ghost Headquarters.” He was instrumental and eager to do his part in anything that would advance God’s program. When he stood with the deacons to take up the offering on Sunday mornings, he always took advantage of the opportunity to “say a few words.” He would always finish his testimonial with an innocent, “I didn’t mean to say all of that,” to which the congregation would respond, “yes you did.”
He was unofficially deemed an honorary “DeGrate” after being married into the family for over 47 years. He worked tirelessly to support the DeGrate reunion building project as well as fundraising initiatives and reunion planning.
Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Verta M. Garland; daughters, Patricia Murrell and husband, Edwin, Wendy Hawthorne and husband, Danny; sisters, Jo Ann Williams, Barbara Jones, Glenda Murrell; six grandchildren, Edwina Murrell, Erica Murrell, DJ Beene and wife, Jessica, Edwin Murrell Jr., Mariah Murrell, Jonathan Murrell, Daniel Hawthorne, Donovan Hawthorne; six great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Mt. Olive Baptist Church , 9997 S. 3rd St.; Waco, TTX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
To the family of Jimmy L Garland, words can hardly express how we feel at this moment. Yet I do want for you all to know that we do feel your pain, as we are in pain too. Jimmy & Verta also are very much an integral part of our lives, & to was very much needed & loved. We are to endure with you the lost here without him. He made his self known to God & then to us. He was a sweetened delight on those Sunday mornings when he closed to speak. Sometimes with his bright smile or special tears, yet there was always a positive & uplifting message of love to his church family. He will truly be remembered & truly missed. He was a “man of God ” & left his mark with us, and publicly gave his heart to God.
Dearest Wendy,
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your father.
My prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
VAL
Principal Hawthorne,
I send my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. God bless you!
Ms. Q
Sending prayers and loves your way.
Remembering his smile that would penetrate anyone’s heart ❤️ To smile right back!
You will be greatly missed. May the peace of God that transcends all understanding guard your hearts and minds during this time, family.
Wendy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this season in your life.
As one who knows, he never leaves you, he will always be the angel protecting you.
As one that you called spoiled, I share this with you with the hope that it will give
you some comfort Praying for you. Here if you need a shoulder.
You’re in my prayers and my heart and LOVE goes to you and your family.
I met Brother Garland a little more than 2 years ago when I began attending Mt. Olive, where he served as as Deacon. He and Sister Garland always were smiling and made me feel extremely welcome at the church. When I had surgery they visited me at the hospital. When I needed a special chair to sit following surgery, Brother Garland went out of his way to make sure I had it. Brother Garland was full of God’s spirit. It was evident in his patience, love, and personality. He was always happy and smiled constantly. He loved praising God and was a strong first tenor in the male chorus, where he sang very joyfully. I will miss this great man of God but I will see him one day in heaven. God Bless You Sister Verta Garland and family.
Big Daddy I love you may you Rest In Peace and watch over us!
– Lil Mama
Verta and family, so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all and asking God to comfort your hearts during this hour of bereavement and the coming days! God bless.
The Bible states that Life is but a vapour & how significant that scripture is at this time. Family we never know when that time is up. My deepest condolences with tears go out to you at this time. Jimmy has fought a good fight. My prayers will not cease for you & your family cousin Verta. Earth truly has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. God will take care of you. .Much Love. Marilyn