Garrett Lee Nolen

Yorktown, Va. – Garrett Lee Nolen passed away early in the morning of August 19, 2023 surrounded by his family, after dealing with a terminal respiratory illness.
I have so enjoyed my life of 74 years that God gave me to walk this earth to love, touch people’s lives, encourage others, and hopefully inspire some to be the best that they can be. My wife of 51 years was truly my best friend and soulmate. Our saying was “You and Me Babe”. My children Joshua and Faith were truly a blessing in my life even with the trials they put us through as teenagers do, but was so proud of them as they grew into wonderful adults. Our grandchildren Justus and Elsa who live in California, I didn’t get to know as well as I would have liked, but are blessed to follow their dreams. Dyllon was always a loving grandchild and I’m proud of the adult he became. He is still thinking about the path he wants to follow. Joseph is also a loving young man and I am proud of his determination to follow his dream right now as a boxer, and I’m glad I got to see his first fight. I was so blessed to have such wonderful, loving, funny and smart family.
Left his earthly home in the early morning on Saturday, August 19, 2023 surrounded by his loving family and in a twinkling of an eye was in his heavenly home. Garrett was born in Radford, VA but moved to Hampton when he was young. There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 9th at 10:00 a.m. Family is asking for people to wear Hawaiian prints or bright colors and to come with a picture of him or a memory of him to share with the family. In lieu of flowers, a donation to National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute/Financial Management Branch at 31 Center Drive Building 31, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Please include a note saying you wish it to go to Lung Disease Research) or your favorite charity. Internment service will be private, arrangements in the care of Amory Funeral Home
Words from my family:
I don’t know where to start, but I remember the first time I saw you at Buckroe Beach. You were on the
dance floor, hair bleached blonde by the sun, tanned in cut-off jeans and dancing as you so loved doing. I said to my
best friend, “I’m going to marry that guy!” She reminded me of that at our wedding. I’m so pleased that God saw fit to
bless me with you for 51 years, good times and bad, fun times, sad times and everything in between times and I
would never hesitate to do it again. You loved me with all your heart despite my faults, you were so patient with me,
spoke so tenderly and lovingly all the time, even when I tried your patience which probably was often. You tolerated
all of my hair styles and color over the years, you were happy with letting me be me. My heart is broken as I won’t
be able to get a hug or share a kiss, hold hands as we walk down the beach, sit in the truck and people watch or
dance to the music at beach music on Thursday nights in Yorktown. I’m going to try and be the rock for our family as
you once were and hope to make you proud until we meet again in heaven. I’ll always love you!!!!! Love, Paula

My dad was a great father, friend, mentor and a leader to many people. He was an inspiration to me and
motivated my self and others to do the right things always, be honest, help others and be a positive influence on
everyone around you. He instilled in me good morals, values and ethics, to be a productive member of society and
the tools to navigate life and to be successful in this world while maintaining happiness with courage. I am so
grateful for the wisdom he passed on to me and honored to have his DNA. Thank you dad for helping me be the
best person I can be. I love you and miss you! Love, Josh

How do you say goodbye to your hero?! I think back on how my dad would come home after working 10
hour days and still managed to play with us kids then go work in the yard. My dad stayed busy from sun up to sun
down but always made time for everyone without every complaining. My dad radiated love and laughter wherever he
went, he was the best story teller, the best advice giver & had the best laugh. Thank you for being the best dad
anyone could ask for and loving me unconditionally. I will forever miss your hugs & smile. Love, your baby girl- Faith
Garrett was a saint. He was exceptionally patient and kind. Even his phrases were considerate like “I’d
rather drink a big cup of gas.” I wanted to be just like him, friendly to everyone, drive the same type of truck. I’ll miss
the way he told stories with smiles and laughter, praying before meals or road trips I am eternally grateful for being
welcomed into the family and treated like a son. Garrett will forever remain my saint and dad. Love, DJ

My grandfather was smart, funny, witty, caring, loving and definitely someone who was deep in thought, just
like a philosopher. He was never negative and taught me a lot about life and it’s made me the man I am today. He
was the most understanding and patient person I’ve ever known. My grandfather impacted many peoples lives and
gave them only kindness and love, so I hope that everyone reading this would do the same to others. I love my
grandfather and will miss him a lot. Love, Dyllon

My grandfather was the person I was closest to, looked up to, took advice from and made memories with.
He taught me a lot of things and showed me how a man should react to things. Best grandfather I could ask for and
he will be so missed. Love, Joe

My grandfather was special, he was always supportive and proud of me in school, soccer and life. His
support inspired me to keep working to be my best self in all I do. My favorite memory of him was when he and
grandma, aunt Faith and cousin Joseph surprised me by coming out for my 18th birthday and high school
graduation. We had a wonderful time and so glad I got to spend time with him. Love, Elsa

My grandfather was so very proud of all I did and supportive in so many ways. I really enjoyed see recently
and spending time with him. I will truly miss him. Love Justus.