Garland Page English

Garland Page English age 86 of Glade Hill, VA departed this earthly life on March 11, 2016 at Runk & Pratt. He was the son of Charlie and Ella English of Glade Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Sallie Nadine English, Mary Ann Adkins, and Nannie Kate Reynolds, and brothers, Norwood and Maury English. He was a graduate of Glade Hill High School in 1948 and started his career at DuPont in Martinsville, VA. He was soon drafted into the Korean Conflict and served two years as a corporal. After finishing his tour of duty, he returned to DuPont to work in several departments including spinning, pack room and the control room. He was fondly called “Lowboy” because of a mistake he made in not properly filling one of the textile containers. For many years, he worked a rotating shift at DuPont, would come home and rest a few hours, and then help his brother, Norwood, with his tobacco farm. In 1991, he purchased the family farm and started his farming career by raising beef cattle for 21 years. His faith and love for God was steadfast by being an active member of Forrest Hill Christian Church for 49 years. He took on the deacon responsibility to help manage the business decisions and well as operating activities for the church for over 25 years. He joined the VFW Post 10840 of Snow Creek and served as a chaplain for 8 years. After the creation of Smith Mountain Lake in 1965, he purchased his first boat with his uncle Hoover Potter. He learned to water ski and spent many enjoyable summers with his family and friends on the lake. He enjoyed traveling by car and was able to enjoy many vacations up and down the east coast including Canada, and traveled west to Texas and California. His favorite sport was Nascar racing and he admired Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon. On Sunday afternoons, after church, he could be found downstairs relaxing in his pajamas and watching a race. He is survived by his devoted wife Shelba Potter English of 52 years; caring daughters, Shay and Jeff Brill, Gina and KC Miller; precious grandchildren, Shelby Kathleen and Page Bradley Miller; thoughtful brothers-in-law, Tal Adkins and Al Malpass; supportive nieces, Bonnie Belcher, Betty and David Hodges, Vickie and Ricky Prillaman, Sherri and Hulse Wagner, Julie Ellington; and kind nephews, David and Susan Potter, Brian and Brenda Potter. All services will be at Forrest Hill Christian Church. Family will receive guests from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 and funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, March 14. A luncheon will be provided after the graveside service in the church cemetery. Special thanks to the care providers at Team Nurse, Runk & Pratt, and Carilion Franklin County Hospice for their assistance in his care. Thank you to the church family, friends, and family that sent cards and frequently called and came to visit. Memorial donations may be made to Forrest Hill Christian Church, 13185 Snow Creek Road, Penhook, VA. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.