Sidney ‘Pete’ Warren Garrett

by Lynn McMillen
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Sidney ‘Pete’ Warren Garrett (age 84) of Huntsville, completed his earthly tasks on July 3, 2019. His work began in Jasper, Alabama on June 15, 1935 with the help of his parents Ira Allen and Oleta Southerland Garrett and brothers Richard, Vance and Jim.

After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in mechanical engineering, Nancy Lou Owen entered into partnership with him on June 11, 1959. They soon added Chip, John, Tom and Keith to the work force.

Pete’s professional work began in May 1958 when he took a job with the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) transferring to NASA when the Marshall Space Flight Center opened in Huntsville in 1960. As a Test Engineer and Conductor, he worked on Saturn V swing arms, tested and qualified high pressure pneumatic components for rocket systems, tested precision mirrors for the Skylab Astronomy Telescope in the Stratoscope Balloon, and continued advanced development of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. He also served on the Challenger Accident Analysis Team. His last assignment was Laser Propulsion, an attempt to create thrust by focusing a high-energy laser into a combustion chamber filled with hydrogen gas. His career gave him a front row seat to our nation’s journey to space from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Programs through the Space Shuttle and International Space Station, an enviable view of significant time in human history.

After retiring from NASA, he and Nancy began volunteer positions as home missionaries with the Campers on Mission organization, a national fellowship of Christians who collaboratively build or repair churches as well as many other construction projects. Their RV travels took them throughout the country building churches, housing, and other structures in communities that lacked sufficient expertise or other resources.

Unfortunately following a battle with brain cancer, Nancy was relieved of her duties as a wife, mother and soul-mate in April of 2005. Although it was a devastating blow, Pete regathered his strength and continued his commitment to his chosen work.

Bonnie Fay Galloway Jones joined Pete’s cause in August of 2006 and committed her life and energy to Pete and their work. Together Bonnie and Pete have put in nearly thirteen years of dedicated service to the Campers on Mission group.

Other career paths he pursued include husband, father, dedicated member of Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, mentor, and his favorite, grandfather. And he could fix anything, broken or not.

Surviving team members include second wife, Bonnie Fay Garrett; brothers, Vance (Fannie) and Jim (Camille); sister-in-law, Bettye Lou Garrett; sons, Charles “Chip” (Beverley) of Tuscaloosa, John (Michele) of Huntsville, Tom (Jeannie) of Eclectic, and Keith (Angela) of Huntsville; daughter in marriage, Sherry Miller (Jeff) of Huntsville; son in marriage, Michael Jones (Cinda) of Raleigh NC. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, who all loved their Pops dearly, Alex, Casey, Clint, Dustin, Jonathan, Peter, Madelaine, Nathan (Jones), Nicole, Natalie, Nathan (Garrett), and Tyler. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Team members who preceded in death: Molly, infant sister and Richard Allen Garrett, brother

Visitation will be from 2pm to 4pm Sunday July 7 at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church.

The funeral service will be 2pm Monday July 8 at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church followed by graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
Campers on Mission
c/o Joyce Godwin
18496 Plywood Mill Road
Andalusia, AL 36421
(please specify Children’s Ministry at National Peanut Festival)

Oneida Baptist Institute
P.O Box 67
Oneida, KY 40972

University of the Cumberlands
Mountain Outreach
6178 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769

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