Wayne Thomas Garrett

Wayne Thomas Garrett passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on the morning of Friday, July 18, 2025. He was 81 years old. Born on December 13, 1943, in Los Angeles, California to Walter Thomas Garrett and Lillie Erma Thompson, Wayne lived a life filled with faith, service, learning, and laughter. Wayne graduated from Culver City High School in 1962 and went on to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northwestern States Mission. On November 23, 1966 he married the love of his life, Nancy Gayle McNaughton, in the Los Angeles, California Temple. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and fun. In 1968, Wayne was drafted into the U.S. Army and reported to Fort Ord that September to begin his military service. After returning from Vietnam, he pursued higher education, graduating from Brigham Young University in 1973 with a degree in Business. He continued his education at Fresno State University from 1977 to 1979 in the MBA program. He loved learning. Wayne accumulated over 300 college units!! Professionally, Wayne was a hardworking and versatile man. He worked as a salesman at AB Dick from 1973 to 1977, then spent nearly a decade at Aquachlor from 1978 to 1987 where he served in many roles including manager, truck driver, sales, warehouse supervisor, and computer technician. In 1991, he earned his teaching credential and later his Master's in Education Administration, and began a new chapter as an elementary school teacher at Westside Elementary, where he remained until his retirement. He loved his years at Westside teaching 7th and 8th grade, Math and Science. Wayne's own childhood was marked by frequent moves, and he often spoke about how important it was for him to give his children a sense of home and stability. In the summer of 1977, Wayne and Nancy bought a house on Magill Avenue in Fresno, California, and raised their family there. That house remained their home until 2006, when they moved to Visalia, California. Wayne loved Jesus, adored his sweetheart Nancy (who preceded him in death), and was deeply devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He found joy in the simple and magical things-Disneyland trips, playing pickleball (he loved the friends he made at pickleball), camping, traveling, and was an avid reader. He was the kind of man who saw the good in every day and everyone, and he made people laugh with his quick, dry wit and gentle charm. Wayne was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in all capacities within his church. He had the opportunity to serve in the Elders Quorum Presidency, Sunday School Presidency, Scoutmaster, High Counselor, Activities Committee, Bishop, Director of the Family History Center, Stake Executive Secretary, Temple Worker, and he was able to serve a full-time mission with his sweet wife to the Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake from 2012-2014. Wayne is preceded in death by; his parents, Walter and Lillie Garrett; wife, Nancy McNaughton Garrett; half-sister, Carol Ruth Taylor; grandson, Tyler Garrett; and a great-grandson, Steven Michael Garrett III. He is survived by his children; David (Shelli), Steven (Jonele), Julie (Patrick) Darnell, Kelli (Ryan) Marshall, and Cristy (Paul) Michaelson; 26 grandchildren; and 21 great-grand kids; and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and unconditional love. His faith and testimony are the greatest gifts he has shared with his children and grandchildren. Viewing will be held 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Friday, August 1st, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, 4000 W Caldwell Ave, Visalia. Funeral services will follow at 9:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 1st, 2025 at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W Goshen Ave, Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Wayne Thomas Garrett

December 13, 1943 - July 18, 2025