Berl Bartley Garey Jr.'s Obituary
Berl Bartley Garey, Jr. was born in Memphis on February 25th, 1932 to Berl and Carrie Ella Garey. He had one sister, Jane Garey Keltner. “Pop” went home to be with his Lord and savior on July 4, 2025; he was 93. He was educated at Humes High School and Memphis State College where he earned his master’s degree in business. Berl married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Sanford; she was the love of his life. They were married for 65 years. Marilyn went to heaven in 2019 and he longed for the day when he would be with her again. Together, they raised 4 children, Vicki, Bart, Leslie, and Mike and were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Berl was a leader. As an Eagle Scout, he spent his summers as a scout leader at Camp Kia Kima on the Spring River in Hardy Arkansas. He loved to tell stories of his adventures and how he corresponded with Marilyn using cryptic messages so other campers could not understand their love letters. He also relished time at the Garey farm in Jackson, TN with his grandparents. He had fond memories of family reunions in Jackson and at the Tennessee River. Berl graduated from college at the top of his class and was named “Mr. Memphis State”. He served as president of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha, and was enrolled in ROTC. After graduation, he served in the Air Force. Berl was a lifelong Tiger fan. He holds the all-time record for consecutive football and basketball season tickets! Berl served as President of the National Alumni Association and led the University of Memphis fund raising effort in one of its most successful campaigns.
Berl passed up a promising career with IBM for a life in Memphis. Raising their children without the disruption of frequent moves was a high priority for Marilyn and him. After returning from the Air Force, he worked at Hollywood Furniture & Hardware Company and eventually purchased the business from Marilyn’s parents Roy and Irene Sanford. He worked incredibly hard to make the business successful along with Bart and Leslie. The business served the Hollywood community for 99 years. Berl served as president of the Tennessee Furniture Association and board chairman for the Memphis Consumer Credit Bureau. Berl loved the outdoors and created many memories hunting and fishing with family and friends at Pickwick Lake and Jackson Point Hunting Club.
Berl was dedicated to serving his Lord Jesus throughout his life. As a member of Springdale Methodist Church and Raleigh Methodist he was a frequent speaker with Lay Witness Mission which encouraged others in their faith journey. While at Broadmoor Baptist Church, he was a deacon and Sunday school teacher. For many years Berl served as a group leader for Bible Study Fellowship. During their senior years, he and Marilyn joined Independent Presbyterian Church
where they were well loved and cared for. He talked openly about his faith and lived out the truth of the gospel in his everyday life. I Corinthians 10:31 was a favorite verse of his….”whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” God was glorified in a life well lived. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Independent Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital Arrangements: Saturday, July 12, 2025 2:00-4:00 visitation, Independent Presbyterian Church, 4738 Walnut Grove Rd., Memphis, Tenn. 4:00-Celebration of Life, Independent Presbyterian Church
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
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