Chester J. Garnett

Chester “Cy” John Garnett October, 11 1935 - November 26, 2025 Retired Lieutenant Colonel Chester “Cy” John Garnett, a proud veteran, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He died from complications related to Agent Orange exposure. Born in Flint, Oklahoma, and raised in Plainview, Texas, Cy grew up alongside his three younger brothers and younger sister under the care of his devoted single mother. At 13, he joined Cal Farley’s Boy’s Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, where he flourished in a structured and supportive environment, gaining practical skills, independence, and enduring Christian values that shaped his life. Cy enlisted in the United States Army at age 20 and served with distinction during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Rising to the rank of Captain during his combat service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Over his career, he was stationed across the United States and overseas in Ludwigsburg, Germany, before retiring from military service in 1990. While serving in the military, Cy earned his bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas. He later completed his master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and taught math and science at Bagley Junior High School, where he eventually retired. It was at Wayland Baptist University that Cy met the love of his life, Laura. They were married on December 26, 1960. In 1972, after returning from Germany, Cy and Laura built their dream home and settled with their family in Corner, Alabama. For more than 50 years, Cy was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Sharing the salvation of Jesus Christ was his greatest priority. A man of deep faith and patience, he made God the center of his home and lived his beliefs through example. Cy is survived by his daughters, D’Lesa (Doug) Yates of Altoona, Alabama, and Michele “Missy” (Mike) Weathers of Hayden, Alabama, and his adopted son, Mitch Blackmon of Gallant, Alabama. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Colby Carroll, Brantley (John) Locker, Braddock (Cortani) Wilson, Brooke (Austin) Joseph, and Stone Weathers, and great-grandchildren Judith Blaike Wilson, Jameson Braddock Wilson, Brielle Hartley Carroll, Laura Hollis Wilson, and Susanna “Zuzu” Ruth Joseph. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mt Zion Men’s Ministry or Building Fund in Warrior, AL. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Laura Marie McCrary Garnett; his son, William (Billy) Garnett; his mother, Modelle Garnett Jennings; and his brothers, Gene, Joe, and Ray Don Garnett New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home directing.

Chester J. Garnett

October 11, 1935 - November 26, 2025