Johnny Levi Garris

Johnny was born on May 28, 1945, in Roaring River, Wilkes County, North Carolina, to Jesse Freeman Garris and Fronie Jane “Janie” Wagoner Garris. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in Seattle, Washington in 1965. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, California, and following Advanced Individual Training, he was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, where he served with the 3rd Armored Division. In 1967, Johnny re-enlisted. On February 10, 1968, he and Janie were married at Cross Roads Baptist Church before being deployed six weeks later to Qui Nhon, Vietnam. He was attached to the 19th Combat Engineer Battalion. After completing his tour in Vietnam, he finished his military service at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Following his service, Johnny built a life defined by hard work and dedication as a welder and pipefitter. He took great pride in his trade and in providing for his family. Johnny found joy in the outdoors and in life’s quiet, simple moments. He especially loved walking in the rain and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense happiness. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his strength, and his deep love for his family. Johnny’s faith was a central part of his life. He trusted deeply in Jesus Christ as his Savior, and his faith guided him through every season of life. His church family was very dear to him, and he found comfort, strength, and fellowship within his church home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Freeman and Fronie Jane “Janie” Wagoner Garris; his sisters, Velda Marie Garris and Jessie Lee Gothan; his granddaughter, Jade Nicole Staples Hernandrez; and his grandson, Jesse Randall Staples. Johnny is survived by his adoring family: his wife, Mary Jane “Janie” Overton Garris; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer “Jenny” and Rusty Felts of Dobson; his daughter and fiancé, Kimberly “Kim” Garris and J. Wayland McNinch of Mckinney, TX; and his son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Julie Raye Huffman Garris of Franklin, KY. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler Lane Felts, Maggie Caitlin Felts Jenkins, Vaughn James Staples, Janey Raye Garris; his great-grandchildren, Abbigail Raye Staples, Dylan Levi Antunez, Hannah Marie Felts, Jorge Ozil Hernandez, Kaitlyn Rose Staples, and Aaron James Hernandez; and his step great-granddaughter, Madelyn Harmon. He is further survived by his sisters, Thelma Dian Ingram and Lisa Annette Silva Reyes; as well as multiple nieces and nephews who were extremely special to him. Johnny also cherished his special friendships with Joe and Elizabeth Voss and Ronald and Lynn Beasley. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, at Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church. Services for Mr. Garris will begin at 12:00 PM, in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars memorial Honor Guard Mount Airy Post 2019 and Pilot Mountain Post 9436. Serving as pallbearers will be Vaughn Staples, Lance Gaither, Jimmy Overton, Travis Bullin, J. Wayland McNinch, Dylan Antunez, Tyler Felts, Ronald Beasley, Junior Luffman, and Matthew Jenkins. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Voss, Danny Whitaker, and Gary Wagoner. As a special tribute, the pallbearers will be wearing hats that belonged to Johnny during the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church, Dobson, North Carolina.