Paul Carter Garland, 92, of Statesville, N.C., died Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Cadence Health in Raleigh, N.C.
He was born in Harlan County, Kentucky, on May 24, 1932, to the late Rev. Charles Raleigh Garland Sr. and Pearl Finchum Garland. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Brett Garland.
Paul graduated from South Bend Central High School. He then attended the University of Missouri at Columbia. He played trumpet in the marching band. He then transferred to Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. While a student at Emory University, he was on the wrestling team and lettered in the sport. He was also a member of Sigma Nu chapter at Emory. He graduated with a degree in business. He also received a commission in the United States Marine Corps as Second Lieutenant.
Paul’s first posting was at Marine Corps Base Quantico. While he was at Quantico, he went with a friend to Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va., where he met Virginia Mae Brett. This meeting ended up leading to a marriage of 65 years. Along the way they had two sons, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
He was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church, where he served as Treasurer. Paul loved tennis and enjoyed John Philip Sousa marches. His greatest love was his family, and he treasured the annual vacation they all spent at Hilton Head.
Those left to cherish his memory include two sons, David Brett Garland (Cheryl) of Stem, N.C., and Charles Douglas “Doug” Garland (Mitzie), of Raleigh, N.C., grandchildren, David Brett Garland Jr. Robert Carter Garland, Paul Thomas Garland, Jenna Callahan and William Ray Webley Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Opal Rose Garland-Wikins, Miller Anne Callahan and Hallie Keirnan Callahan, with two more on the way.
A Funeral Service will be held at Broad Street UMC in Statesville, N.C., on Saturday, November 2, at 1 p.m. with graveside service following immediately afterwards.
The family will receive friends for visitation in the sanctuary at Broad Street UMC from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. preceding the service at 1 p.m.
Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.