Arnold "Arnie" George Garrett, 90, of Pentwater, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2023. He was born July 31, 1933, in Sunbright, Tennessee, the son of Flossie and Organ W. Garrett, who was a veteran of WWI. Arnold, at age 90, had survived his three sisters and two brothers.

Arnie graduated from Sunbright High School, where he was a cheerleader. In the early 1950s, he traveled to metro Detroit to find work. His friend, Jimmie, told him about a lady in Highland Park who was renting rooms in her home. There he met Birdie McPherson, one of the daughters of the house. They fell in love and married on Valentine's Day 1953.

Arnie was drafted into the Army in 1955, where he was a mechanic in the motor pool on the island of O'ahu, Hawaii. Birdie joined him in Hawaii and they had their first child, a daughter, in 1956, before returning to the continental US in 1957. Arnie and Birdie eventually settled in what was then Farmington Township before moving once again to Farmington.

Arnie was a partner in a Standard Oil gas station/car repair business for many years. In 1958, he and Birdie welcomed a second child, this time a baby boy. In the mid 1970's, Arnie left Standard Oil and built his own business, Garrett Auto & Truck, where he remained as Owner and Chief Mechanic until his retirement in 1996. Upon his retirement, he and Birdie built a house in Pentwater, where they had spent many happy summers camping and fishing along Lake Michigan.

Arnie was an avid fisherman, and owned many boats during his lifetime. He had many other interests as well, including watching sports and news shows on the television, tending a large vegetable, flower, and fruit garden, spending time in his garage working on his various mechanical projects, as well as socializing with many friends. He also involved himself in church activities, from driving the Sunday school bus, to helping in the food pantry.

Later in life Arnie became a voracious reader, often beginning a new book in the morning and not stopping until he finished it late at night.

Arnie is survived by: his loving wife of 70 years, Birdie Garrett; his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Rick Doll; as well as three grandsons and five great-grandchildren.

Arnie was preceded in death by: his parents; and his son, Steven Garrett, earlier in 2023.

Arnie was a born-again Christian and dedicated servant of God. He will be greatly missed as a husband, father, and friend.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 12, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Hart, 3258 North 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420, with Pastor Ryan Vander Zwaag officiating. There will be a luncheon immediately following the service. Military honors and interment will take place in Pentwater Township Cemetery Thursday at approximately 1:30 PM.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com