Rev. Ray Lee Garren

Ray Lee Garren passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 16, 2021, at Monroe Hills Memorial Gardens. Rev. Mark Goolsby officiated.

Mr. Garren, the son of the late Lee Wesley Garren and Addie Mae Varner Garren, was born January 23, 1937 in Farmer, North Carolina. His son, Dale Garren, preceded him in death. Mr. Garren worked in the ministry most of his adult life, as a church pastor and managing gospel radio stations. He retired from The United Methodist Church.

Mr. Garren was a talented guitar and mandolin player, as well as an excellent singer. He sang and accompanied many gospel groups over the years. Mr. Garren enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, and bird watching. After serious health issues, Mr. Garren moved to Pruitthealth Forsyth, where he became known as The Candy Man, for his habit of passing out candy to any and everyone. At the nursing home he enjoyed church services, where he would often lead the singing. He also enjoyed Bingo – especially winning – so he could use his tokens to buy items that he would then give away to his family and other nursing home residents. Mr. Ray was loved by the residents and staff at Pruitt Forsyth. They will miss his daily singing up and down the halls.

Mr. Garren is survived by his children, Debbie (Walter) Carter of Forsyth; Denise Garren of Lakeland, Florida; Dewayne (Evangeline) Garren of Forsyth; and Kayla Beth Garren of Florida; grandchildren, Abby Garren (John) Saxton of Taunton, England and Joshua (Ashley Jacobs) Horne of Florida; great grandchildren, Lyn Horne and Brooklyn Leftwich; sister, Jane Patterson of North Carolina; and brother, Herman (Pam) Garren of North Carolina.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.