Charles Gerald Garnett was born on May 30, 1944, in Camden, South Carolina to Charles and Grace Garnett. He spent his early years helping his parents work for Ms. Marion Dupont Scott on Holly Hedge Plantation and spending time with his beloved baby sister, Jewell. In the ninth grade he began dating the love of his life, Becky, though he disputes this and claims he loved her his whole life. Gerald attended Camden High School. He was the quarterback for their football team and starred on the baseball team at third base. Gerald and Becky dated throughout high school and college and were married on July 24, 1965. Prior to their wedding, Gerald earned an associate's degree from Wingate College and shortly after, America called Gerald to service in the Vietnam War. He and Becky were stationed at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii. Gerald was classified as a combat medic in the US Army and though he flew some classified assignments, he spent most of his time working in the lab. Gerald also moonlighted as a bartender at the local country club. While in Hawaii, Gerald and Becky welcomed their son, Bret, in 1967. After Gerald's faithful service in the US Army, the family of 3 returned to South Carolina. Gerald was then able to complete his bachelor's degree in business at the University of South Carolina. After college, a home-town friend in Camden encouraged Gerald to apply for a job as an adjuster at Farm Bureau Insurance Company. While working for Farm Bureau, Gerald quickly climbed the ranks, and the family moved to Florence and Charleston, before landing in Columbia. They stayed in Columbia for several years, and while there welcomed their daughter, Christa, in 1975. Gerald was promoted to CEO of the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company in 1990. Gerald, Becky, and Christa moved to Madison, MS, which they continue to call home. He retired from Southern Farm Bureau in 2004. Since then, Gerald and Becky enjoyed being with their children and grandchildren in North Carolina and in Mississippi. They spent much of their time attending their grandchildren's many extracurricular activities.

Throughout his life, Gerald worked hard. He took care of his employees and was known as an extraordinary leader and boss. He believed in hard work, that "profit was not a dirty word", and that fairness and integrity were paramount in business. He was an excellent public speaker and was known for his ability to motivate others to be their very best. He was active in the church and walked faithfully and humbly in his relationship with the Lord. Gerald loved the outdoors. He enjoyed spending time hunting with his father, son, grandsons, sister, nephews, and many other friends throughout his life. He was known for killing five on a covey rise. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing in the Farm Bureau Classic Pro-Am and at numerous golf destinations around the world. He could really cut a rug and was the best dance partner for his girls. He loved his family and set a fine example for his children, grandchildren, and great children. He always exemplified grace and was quick to forgive. Gerald loved many things, but his greatest love was "His Becky." A life well lived.

Jesus came and gently took Gerald home on Sunday March 31, 2024, Easter morning.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Grace Garnett.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Becky Garnett; son, Bret Garnett (Cheryl); Christa Garnett-Boyd (Rick); grandchildren, Camden Tierce (Gregory), Charlie Garnett, Braden Boykin (Madilyn), Grace Garnett, Jaylin Garnett, Kyle Boyd (Carly), Kamden Boyd, and Skylar Casey (Brandon); great-grandchildren, Madison Garnett, Josie Ruth Tierce, Brady Beck Tierce, John Ragan Casey, Charlie Casey; sister, Jewell Corley; and nephews, John Corley (his son Colby), and Kirk Corley (Wife Michelle, their daughter Katelyn and her son Wes);

The family would like to say a special thank you to Gerald's caregiver, Richard Williams, who loved and cared for him over the last few years. Her friendship and devotion has been a gift to our entire family.