U.S. Army veteran and community servant Garnett Pearson Webb is remembered by his friends, fellow veterans and community as a “dear friend who loved Fannin County.”
Webb, age 82, passed away Monday, May 4, at his home.
He served the Fannin County community as a Fannin County Board of Education member from 2005 to 2008 and a post commissioner on the Fannin County Board of Commissioners from 2008 to 2012.
He was also an active member of the North Georgia Honor Guard (NGHG) and dedicated over 1,000 hours in community service.
“He was not your average veteran or your average guy,” NGHG Commander Bill Stodgill said. “He was the upper crust. … He was a real, true gentleman. I can’t say that about everybody, but I can say that about him.”
American Legion Commander Richard Crosley also noted Webb’s commitment to many of the other veterans organizations in the county, many of which he served in as an officer.
“His concern was serving the community, whether it be through veteran activities or his time as a post commissioner or with the Board of Commissioners,” Crosley said. “His concern was to be out there and serve others.”
Webb’s fellow veterans remember his love for teaching flag etiquette classes at the three Fannin elementary schools and attending each school’s veterans programs.
Current Fannin County School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney said, “I enjoyed seeing him at meetings and school events when he was on the board. I also appreciated the fact that he continued to play a role in our school Veterans Day programs after he came off of the Board of Education.”
His fellow school board members remember him fondly as their friend.
“I love and RESPECT Garnett Webb,” school board member Lewis DeWeese said. “He was very dear friend who loved Fannin County. A true Christ-like person, and a joy to talk to. He loved to sing and give honor to his Savior. He loved school and our kids. A true servant of the people.”
His friend and fellow veteran, Nick Wimberly, remembers him as “a guy that enjoyed a joke, even if it was on him,” describing him as someone who was personable and enjoyed a good laugh.
“He was the guy that always had a ready smile,” Wimberly said. “I would describe Garnett as having a stately appearance, but an easy going personality.”
Webb enjoyed singing and even traveled with the all-Army entertainment show in Germany during his time in the service. While in France, he was also assigned as a chaplain’s assistant where he organized a choir and made multiple improvements in the religious activities at the base chapel. He received recognition and a certificate of achievement from the 4th Logistical Command for his work there.
Wimberly explained that he was always willing to “share that voice” and served as a leader in their church, First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill.
Webb enjoyed fellowship, especially when food was involved.
“Garnett was a guy that enjoyed good food, so he enjoyed those fellowships where we had food,” Wimberly said with a laugh. “I don’t think you can say Baptist without saying food.”
When he decided to run for office, Wimberly said Webb went door-to-door across the county to introduce himself and get to know community members.
“I always knew how thoughtful and personable he was because he went door-to-door,” he said. “That’s not an easy thing to do.”
Webb is survived by his loving wife, Eugenia Webb, whom he frequently expressed his devotion for.
“Miss Eugenia … he loved her and always spoke of how good of care she took of him,” Stodghill said.
The two would often entertain at the veterans’ holiday parties, where Webb would sing while his wife played the piano.
“She would play the piano and he would lead all the veterans at the Christmas party in singing Christmas carols every year,” Stodghill said. “He loved to sing, and she plays the piano very well. They complimented each other and we always looked forward to it.”
According to many in the community, Webb leaves a lasting legacy in the county.
“His loss is going to be a void that is hard to fill,” Crosley said. “All of us are going to miss him.”