Jack Garst Ii

Jack Garst II, of Boones Mill, died May 7 peacefully at his home. Born May 23, 1931, in Boones Mill to Elva Ferguson Garst and Arthur High Garst, Sr., Jack was a champion athlete who competed at the state and national levels in high school and at Washington and Lee College in track, baseball and football. After graduating from W & L in 1953, Jack served in the U. S. Army in Japan and played baseball for the Army team. After completing his military service, he returned home to help run the family business, Occanneechi Orchards, and served as president, horticulturalist and business manager. In addition, he owned and operated Jack Garst Agency farm supply store in Boones Mill and served as mayor. His love of sports continued throughout his life. As an amateur golfer in the 1960s and ‘70s, he won championships in Roanoke and Rocky Mount. Later, Jack and his wife Barbara enjoyed sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and Smith Mountain Lake. He became a pilot in the 1970s, transporting family and friends in his small airplane. Jack is remembered by many people whom he helped in the Franklin County community, and especially by his family, who will miss his quiet acceptance of others, his dry wit, and his unflagging optimism and generosity. He loved animals, and when he could still hear, he loved bluegrass music. Jack is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Priestley Garst, and his six daughters, Leslie Cleveland, of Roanoke, Tamsey Audet, of Melbourne, FL; Beth Garst, of Boones Mill; Jackie Anderson, of Wilmington, NC; Julie Duggan, of Orlean, VA; and Laura Craft, of Vershire, VT. Also surviving are his brother, Arthur High Garst, Jr., (Pie), of Roanoke, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his siblings, Anne Strickland, Fred Garst and Cardwell Garst, and his granddaughter Paula Anderson. The family is deeply grateful to those who so lovingly cared for Jack over the last several months, allowing him to stay in his home, with a view of the mountains he had loved his whole life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County. The family will greet friends at Flora Funeral Home in Rocky Mount Thursday evening from 5 to 7. There will be an interment at Mountain View Memorial Park on Friday at 11:00 am.