Garrett Eugene Penland

Garrett Eugene Penland, native of Asheville, passed away on November 17th 2023, at the Laurels of Greentree Ridge. He was 94 years old.

He was married to Mary June Lance Penland for 63 years. She died this fall and he missed her terribly.

He is survived by his daughter, Adele Penland Boyce; a son, Travis Penland (Virginia), and three grandchildren: Meredith L. Boyce, Garrett Evan Penland, and Henry Penland.

He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Penland and the last member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his siblings; Blanche Penland Pruett, Evelyn Penland Blau, “Jackie” Bertha Mae Penland, “Bill” Charles L. Penland, James A. Penland, John G. Penland, Paul Lee Penland and Modena Penland Brown.

Garrett served in the US Naval Reserves on the U.S.S. Tills, a destroyer, from 1948-1952 cruising between the Caribbean and European waters.

He proudly worked for Dr. T.C. Smith Drug Wholesalers in Asheville for his entire career. He was a salesman in the WNC territory.

He graduated from Plonk School of Creative Arts in Asheville. He was a founding member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church which he attended faithfully. He made sure to greet everyone who entered.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 223 Hillside Street, Asheville, NC 28801. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm at the Church with Reverend Stephanie Foretich-McKey officiating.

Burial will follow at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard in Fletcher.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.