Garland Russell Jennings of Austinsville, Virginia, gained his Heavenly wings, at home with his wife, sister, and fur babies by his side, early morning on December 16, 2020, succumbing to more than a decade's long battle with Parkinsons with Lewy Body Dementia. The whole time he was supported and cared for by his wife, Linda, who honored his wishes to remain at his own home.

Garland was born on February 15, 1950, in his parents', (Eldridge and Lilian Coulson Jennings) home in Laurel. Garland graduated from Hillsville High School the last year it was open as the high school,1969, going on to serve in the United States Navy as a jet engine mechanic, stationed in Pensacola, Florida where he also acquired his associate's degree in criminal justice. Returning to Virginia, Garland worked for Quality Mills as a sewing machine mechanic and then at the Radford arsenal as a maintenance mechanic for twenty-eight years.  After retirement, Garland was he co-owned and helped run a Christmas tree lot with his son in Palmyra, Virginia. He enjoyed the work very much and let his kids know that he was the "boss of the operation."  We loved our time on the lot with Dad, especially in the down time when we played cards together and listened to his stories.

Beyond serving his country, and loving and providing for his family, Garland dedicated himself to his community.  He was one of the founding members of the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad, serving from 1973 until his death. Garland was trained in shock trauma and EMT and went on many calls at any time of day or night to help his neighbors in their times of distress and need.  He continued his education in EMT so that he could train others in first aid, CPR, and EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course). His highest training was as a Cardiac Technician. He was an active member of Laurel Elem. PTSO for several years and actively supported Carroll County Schools volunteering as a band chaperone during band trips and competitions.  At Shiloh Methodist Church where he was a member for many years, he helped with fundraising, helping with dinners, apple butter making, and Lord's Acre sales.  Garland was chairperson for Shiloh's UM Men's group for many years. Later in his life, he spent his time caring for sick children and their families with hospital transportation through his work as a FreeMason and as an active member of the Shriners Kazim Hillbillies.  He did love the parades and smiling faces.

Garland couldn't help but touch the hearts of everyone he met and truly never met a stranger.  Those who knew him will remember how he picked and played and told jokes, how he loved children and they loved him, flocking to him even. Children must have sensed what a gentle and childlike soul he was. He loved his fur children, and we know he is being welcomed into Heaven with many puppy kisses. We will miss his sweet laugh, his calm demeanor, his playful grin, and his big hugs.

Garland is preceded in death by his parents, Eldridge and Lilian Jennings, and sister and brother-in-law, Elsie Mae and Sam Ryan. He will always be cherished and remembered by his spouse and soul mate of 49 years, Linda Jennings; by his son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Ann Jennings; by his father-in-law, Dewey Webb; by his brothers, brothers-in-law, and sisters-law, Sid and Gloria Jennings, Montie and Carolyn Jennings, Glen and Jean Jennings, Tim and Brenda Webb, and Tom Webb, and Dylan and Barbara Edwards; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephew. The family would like to offer thanks especially, to his nephew, Drew Webb, his wife, Jennifer, and their precious daughters, Cambree and Rylee and to Mike Ryan for their daily visits and acts of love during the last three years of being bedridden.  Garland loved and looked forward to this time, with them.  We would like to thank the Shiloh Church family, Laurel Rescue and Auxiliary, and many caring neighbors; also, the very special care providers from Mountain Valley Hospice and Blue Ridge Home Health; and many friends who are like family.  We would like to thank EMS crews and staff of Vaughn-Guynn-McGrady for all the thoughtful acts of kindness during this time of grief.

The family will hold a graveside service on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 2:00 PM at Gladesboro Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation to Shiloh United Methodist Church Building Fund, Parkinson's and/or Lewy Body Dementia research, Laurel Rescue Squad, or the charity of your choice in Garland's memory.