Richard Irving Garrity

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.

Richard Irving Garrity of Kingsport, passed September 9, 2017 at approximately 11:30 p.m. due to a 2 year battle with cancer. Richard was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, and grew up in Hermosa, CA, and Newport Beach, CA. He grew up with sisters Judy and Sandra in California. Richard was a loving father and a loving husband for almost 60 years. Richard and Betty fell in love, and started a family; for which he loved dearly, in Kingsport, TN. Richard and Betty were married for 59-1/2 years, and they had three children. Richard is a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, where he served as a paratrooper for over 5 years with distinction in two tours. He also served in the Special Forces in the U.S. Army. Richard grew up with sisters Judy and Sandra in California. Mr. Garrity worked for Tennessee Eastman Company, which is located in Kingsport, TN, and retired after 30 years of service.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Rhonda Garrity, 2017

He is survived by a wife, Betty, two children: Leeanne Francis, and Stephen Garrity. He will also leave behind three grandchildren: Michael Francis, Mason Francis, and Maddox Francis.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Chad Riner officiating.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.

Richard loved God, and reflected the following bible verse in his daily life:
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.