Arlie Hughes Garrett

MORGAN MILL - Arlie Hughes Garrett, age 67, known to many as ‘Coach' Garrett, passed away following a series of strokes in a Columbia, South Carolina hospital, on March 11, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Services will be held at Stephenville Funeral Home, April 4, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. A procession to Bluff Dale's Wesley Chapel Cemetery will follow. Arlie's Celebration of Life will continue at 3:30 p.m. at Tarleton University Thompson Student Center. Since Tarleton's colors are purple and white and Arlie's favorite shirt was purple, we ask all those attending to wear a touch of purple in Arlie's memory. Arlie made friends easily, many of whom are close friends to this day. Growing up on his family's farm in Bluff Dale some of his fondest memories were roaming the Paluxy River, hunting, fishing, and swimming. He was born August 25, 1947, to Lee and Mary Virginia Davis Garrett, in Stephenville, Texas. Arlie graduated from Stephenville High School in 1965, where he was a stand-out football player. He graduated from Tarleton State University in 1970. Arlie became a career Texas High School football coach and teacher. His first job was in 1970 at Granbury ISD. In 1972, he met the love of his life, Debby Taylor Garrett, who was his soul mate, sweetheart, and best friend. They married in 1973 and made their home in Temple, where Arlie continued his career. In 1977, Arlie's job took them to Terrell. In 1981, he became Defensive Coordinator for Leander, where he retired in 2004. Arlie had wide interests, including vintage cowboy boots, golf, photography and genealogy. He was a published songwriter, playwright, and poet, and often recited poems from memory to the delight of friends, family, co-workers, and customers. In 2005, Arlie and Debby moved to Morgan Mill started a business called, "Rootin Tootin Boutique" and Arlie became known for his beautifully handcrafted cowboy boot purses. He was featured on "Texas Country Reporter with Bob Phillips," which can still be viewed on YouTube. He is survived by his mother, Mary Virginia Davis Garrett; his loving wife of 41 years, Debby Taylor Garrett; sons Zane Garrett and Trent Harrison, Trent's wife Michelle; grandchildren Meredith, Jett, Wyatt and Sienna; brothers Bob Garrett and wife Carol, and Chuck Garrett and wife Kim, sister Dian Garrett Tucker and husband Frank, and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and twin grandsons. Memorials may be made to: The Morgan Mill Volunteer Fire Department, County Road 173, Morgan Mill, TX 76465; or: Autism Community Network, 4242 Woodcock Drive #101, San Antonio TX 78228, in honor of his beloved grandson, Wyatt Harrison.