Mr. Billy F. Garrett

Mr. Billy F. Garrett, age 97, of Macon, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Brightmoor Hospice in Macon.

Mr. Garrett was born on May 27, 1929, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late Joe F. Garrett and Gladys L. McCullar Garrett. Growing up in Atwater and Thomaston, he was a star athlete at R. E Lee Institute, excelling in football and track and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, during the Korean War. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University. Mr. Garrett enjoyed a career in the medical field and served as Supervisor of Laboratory Services for several hospitals in Georgia and Florida.

He was a member of New Heights Church in Macon, Georgia.

Mr. Garrett is survived by his wife of 72 years, Nancy Knighton Garrett; two daughters, Mary Meadows (Rick) of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Ann Gilleland (Thomas) of Warner Robins, Georgia; and son, the Rev. David Garrett of Macon, Georgia. He was delighted to be "granddaddy" to his 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. 

Mr. Garrett enjoyed yard work, gardening, football, war movies, anything with John Wayne in it, the North Georgia mountains - and most especially - entertaining his grandchildren with his special rendition of the Crawdad Song and the Monkey Dance. 

Qualities that will always be cherished and remembered by his family are his tireless work ethic, his lifelong discipline as an athlete even into his 80's, his constant challenge to his kids to keep your "eye on the ball" and have a "stiff upper lip", his unfaltering love and devotion to his family, and his silly sense of humor (which his grandchildren adore!) 

The family wants to thank the many staff and agencies that have provided such wonderful care and support through these years: 

Hospice Care Options of Macon, Ga.

The Oaks at Lake Wildwood, Macon, Ga.

Alexander IV Memory Care, Macon Ga.

Brightmoor Hospice of Macon, Ga.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Wesley Glen Ministries, 4580 N Mumford Rd, Macon, GA 31210.

A private graveside service will be held at Upson Memorial Gardens.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is honored to serve the Garrett family. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.