89R18958 BK-D
By: Hughes S.R. No. 289
R E S O L U T I O N
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 89th Texas 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.