Herbert Hoover Garriss, age 82, of Watha left this life for his eternal rest on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 from the Brian Center of Wallace.

He was born November 18, 1928 in Pender County and was the son of the late Si Valson and Lola Missouri Ward Garriss. He was also predeceased by his son, Marlin G. Garriss; granddaughter, Ginger Magoon, brother, Owen Bryant Garriss and sister-in-law, Mary Garriss.

Mr. Garriss served his country honorably in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict and was a member of Watha Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church. He was a hard worker who believed in his Lord, his family and his community. Being a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather and brother, he lived his life based on Christian principles and instilled Christian values in his children. He enjoyed being outdoors especially hunting, fishing and flying his plane as long as his health permitted. Herbert will be remembered for his love for family and friends and his steadfast faith in God.

Surviving is his loving wife of 59 years, Melrose Rivenbark Garriss; sons, Allen V. Garriss and wife, Debbie of Watha and Herbert Lee Garriss and wife, Angie of Washington, NC; grandchildren, Candy Garriss, Herbert Glen Garriss and Josie Leann Garriss; great grandchildren, Breiana Magoon and Jonathan Magoon; sisters, Mary Lou Batts of Watha, Daisy M. Turner and husband, Wilbur of Wallace, Juanita Hollowell and husband, Elbert of Goldsboro and Vonnie Cornell and husband, Bob of Jacksonville; brother, Elvin V. Garriss and wife, Luba of Wallace; daughter-in-law, Karen Garriss of Lakewood, WA and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Watha Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Gary Avery and the Rev. Elbert Hollowell officiating. Burial will follow with military honors in Watha United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Ellis Turner, Arnold Marshburn, Wayne Ezzell, Matt King, Allen Dezso and Larry DeBose.

Honorary casketbearer will be James Earl Register.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, one hour prior the funeral service at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial gifts be sent to Watha PFWB Church, c/o Cynthia Merritt, 1744 Anderson Store Rd., Watha, NC 28478.

You may send condolences to the Garriss family by clicking on our "Memory Wall" above.

Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Watha Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in Watha United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, one hour prior the funeral service at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial gifts be sent to Watha PFWB Church, c/o Cynthia Merritt, 1744 Anderson Store Rd., Watha, NC 28478.