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
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 18, 2025, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate