Chester “Cy” John Garnett
October, 11 1935 – November 26, 2025
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Chester “Cy” John Garnett, a proud veteran, passed away
peacefully in his sleep on November 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He died from
complications related to Agent Orange exposure.
Born in Flint, Oklahoma, and raised in Plainview, Texas, Cy grew up alongside his three younger
brothers and younger sister under the care of his devoted single mother. At 13, he joined Cal
Farley’s Boy’s Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, where he flourished in a structured and supportive
environment, gaining practical skills, independence, and enduring Christian values that shaped
his life.
Cy enlisted in the United States Army at age 20 and served with distinction during both the
Korean and Vietnam Wars. Rising to the rank of Captain during his combat service in Vietnam,
he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Over his career, he was stationed
across the United States and overseas in Ludwigsburg, Germany, before retiring from military
service in 1990.
While serving in the military, Cy earned his bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University in
Plainview, Texas. He later completed his master’s degree at the University of Alabama at
Birmingham and taught math and science at Bagley Junior High School, where he eventually
retired.
It was at Wayland Baptist University that Cy met the love of his life, Laura. They were married
on December 26, 1960. In 1972, after returning from Germany, Cy and Laura built their dream
home and settled with their family in Corner, Alabama.
For more than 50 years, Cy was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, serving as a
deacon and Sunday School teacher. Sharing the salvation of Jesus Christ was his greatest
priority. A man of deep faith and patience, he made God the center of his home and lived his
beliefs through example.
Cy is survived by his daughters, D’Lesa (Doug) Yates of Altoona, Alabama, and Michele “Missy”
(Mike) Weathers of Hayden, Alabama, and his adopted son, Mitch Blackmon of Gallant,
Alabama. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Colby Carroll, Brantley (John) Locker,
Braddock (Cortani) Wilson, Brooke (Austin) Joseph, and Stone Weathers, and
great-grandchildren Judith Blaike Wilson, Jameson Braddock Wilson, Brielle Hartley Carroll,
Laura Hollis Wilson, and Susanna “Zuzu” Ruth Joseph.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mt Zion Men’s Ministry in Warrior, AL.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Laura Marie McCrary Garnett; his son,
William (Billy) Garnett; his mother, Modelle Garnett Jennings; and his brothers, Gene, Joe, and
Ray Don Garnett
New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home directing.
