SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 289

In Memory

of

Reginald Garrett

WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the death of Brother Reginald Garrett of Tyler on January 17, 2025, at the age of 75; and

WHEREAS, Born in Longview on September 19, 1949, Reginald Garrett was the son of David and Callie Garrett and grew up with the companionship of three siblings, Clemogene, Hattie, and David; while attending Mary C. Womack High School, he starred on the football team and participated in marching band and school plays; after graduating in 1967, he went on to receive bachelor's and master's degrees from Prairie View A&M University, where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.; in addition to his pastoral duties, he worked for Ford Motor Company, ARCO Oil & Gas, the UT Health Center, and Trinity Mother Frances Health System; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett earned a doctorate from Mt. Hope College and Theological Seminary and a degree from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service; in 1986, he became senior pastor at St. James CME Church, and in 2002, he founded New Days Community Church; he dedicated over five decades of his life to the pastorate, and he was a source of spiritual guidance to many people; he also benefited the wider community by serving on the Tyler City Council and as mayor pro tem and further gave of his time and talents to PATH, Hospice of East Texas, the American Red Cross, the East Texas Communities Foundation, and the Half Cent Sales Tax committee; moreover, he was appointed by Governor Ann Richards to the Texas Board on Aging; and

WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Brother Garrett benefited from the love and support of his wife, Loreita; he was the proud father of four children, Reginald, Brian, Regina, and Kevin, and with the passing years, his cherished family grew to include nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, The life of Reginald Garrett stands as an inspiring example of service to others, and his contributions will long resonate in the Tyler community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Brother Reginald Garrett and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Loreita Garrett; to his sons, Reginald Garrett II and his wife, Carla, and Brian Garrett Sr. and his wife, Talonda; to his daughter, Regina Lomax; to his sisters, Clemogene Garrett Wilson and her husband, Curtis, and Hattie Garrett Newhouse and her husband, Lucious; to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Reginald Garrett.

Hughes

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 18, 2025, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate