Felix Garrett III

Felix Eugene Garrett, III was born in Austin, Texas to Maud Ella Sattiewhite and Felix Eugene Garrett, Jr. on July 26, 1936. Felix was an only child and flourished in the attention as such. Felix began his formal education in the Austin Independent School District, where he excelled in academics and athletics. He graduated from L. C. Anderson High School in 1954 and attended the University of Utah, Salt Lake because his beloved University of Texas (UT) was not open to him at the time. In 1955, he enlisted in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base, in Austin. Felix graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's of Arts in History at Huston-Tillotson University and earned a Master's of Education in Counseling and Guidance from Prairie View A&M University.

In 1959, Airman Felix Garrett married Virgie Collins and to this union two daughters were born. Felix was a loving husband and devoted father who made every decision with his family in mind. Upon completion of his tour of duty during the Vietnam War, he returned to Bergstrom Air Force Base and was later assigned to Lajes Field Air Force Base, in Azores, Portugal. Felix returned to Bergstrom and retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1975 after honorably and faithfully serving for more than 20 years.

Felix taught at Job Corps before becoming an assistant principal at Elgin High School in 1977. In 1980, he became Principal of Temple Middle School. He ultimately retired as a School Administrator from Temple Independent School District in 1993.

Felix was a passionate UT fan who treasured his season football tickets and traveled often to support the Longhorns in winning the Cotton Bowl, and more recently, in the Rose Bowl.

As an avid hunter, Felix traveled to Wyoming yearly to hunt Pronghorn Antelope, receiving the Best Shot award on numerous occasions. Just last Wednesday, Felix was proud to get a white tail doe with one shot on his final hunting trip. He also enjoyed fishing and often could be found in the early morning at one of the many Austin lakes.

As a member of Mensa, Felix completed a crossword puzzle daily and enjoyed mental challenges reveling in the interplay of ideas. He was a strategic domino player and for over 30 years, both Felix and Virgie belonged to The Player's Club, a couples' bridge club.

A third generation member of Wesley United Methodist Church throughout his life, Felix enjoyed teaching Disciple Bible Study and was considered a layman bible scholar.

Felix was passionate about community service and civic duty, serving continuously on the Travis County Grand Jury from 1970 to 2011. He was initiated into the Gamma Eta Lambda chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on November 8, 1973. He was also a charter member of the Northeast Austin Rotary Club.

Felix Eugene Garrett departed this life peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2011 surrounded by his devoted family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maud Ella and Felix Eugene Garrett, Jr., and his wife of 50 years, Virgie.

Felix is survived by his two daughters, Machree Garrett Gibson (Michael T.), and Felicia Garrett Herring (Hamlet); two grandchildren, Michael G. Gibson and Mallory Gibson Shiraz (Joe); cousin Vance Bob Shaw (Lois); sisters and brothers-in-law: Donnie and Frank Breedlove, Carrie and Zan Holmes, Jr., Jean and Melvin Terrell, Lavern and Alge Collins, Jr., and sisters-in-law: Sylvia Alyce Collins (Wright Collins, deceased); Joyce Collins (Jim Collins, deceased). He is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, and other Collins family, dear friends and all the many who found him to be a steady father figure.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. with a Wake Service to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 6th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, North Lamar. Memorial services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1164 San Bernard St., Austin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church or Huston-Tillotson University.