Mr. Leon Garrett was the youngest of four children of his late parents, Luella Perry and Oscar Garrett. He was born on May 18, 1932 in Cherokee County (Spring Garden), Alabama and completed Bethune High School, Piedmont, Alabama. He graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. Mr. Garrett later attended Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City and received an M. S. degree. In 1973, he received an M. A. degree in Educational Administration and an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Alabama.

Mr. Garrett unselfishly devoted 53 years in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Fifteen years were spent as a classroom teacher in Arkansas and Alabama respectively. He served as an assistant principal for two years, a principal for fifteen years and eight in the Central Office as assistant superintendent and superintendent. He spent 37 years in the Anniston City Schools District.

Mr. Garrett served faithfully on the Piedmont City Board of Education for 26 years and on the Piedmont Education Trust board for 28 years, making him the longest serving member! He served as the District VI Director with the Alabama State School Board Association for five years. He is a member of the Calhoun County Retired Teachers Association serving as the legislative representative. Mr. Garrett also served on the Alabama State Bar Association Disciplinary Board as a lay member, a Trustee for the Calhoun County Community Foundation, a member of the Anniston Education Foundation, and on the advisory board for Farmers & Merchants Bank, Anniston, Alabama. He was also an approved facilitator for SACS Accreditation for all schools in the State of Alabama. Being inducted on November 1, 1973, he is currently an active member for 50 plus years of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the Piedmont Lions Club. A complete list of the vast offices held by him in community and civic organizations locally and at state levels are far too many to account.

Although Mount Pleasant Gap Baptist Church, Piedmont, Alabama is no longer holding worship services, Mr. Garrett never moved his membership; he attended Thankful Baptist Church, Piedmont, Alabama, faithfully until his health declined which prevented him from attending.

The only concern that Mr. Garrett would have in his plethora of accolades is that it proved to himself and to the many other lives he impacted that a little boy of such humble beginnings could achieve whatever he set out to accomplish. Mr. Garrett's most prized treasure was his family. He held his love and devotion to his mother, the late Ms. Luella Perry and his sister, the late Ms. Gearldine Garrett very closely to his heart. In these latter years, he continued his devotion for family to his niece whom he protected as his daughter, Frances Oceal Garrett; Other Daughters: dedicated and loyal great-niece Donna Gearldine Jones (Franklin), great-niece LaShaunda (Jill) Holly (Lev), and great-great niece FranShay Kendal Garrett. Devoted Nephews, Franklin Garrett who transported him to and from doctors' appointments and Lamar Garrett who assisted him daily.

His love for family and friends was immeasurable…Oh! did he build some invaluable relationships with some amazing friends throughout his many years: Bonus Sons: Archie Bone and Allen (Leeann) Scarbrough; Friends/Colleagues: Estelle Diamond, Grace Adair, Dr. Theresa Kisor, Helen Copeland, Sarah Stinson, John and Becky Fearon, Mattie Miller, Stan and LaNita Bennett, Kathy Wiser, Ed Kimbrough, Jack and Brenda Spears, Fred Crumes, Ena Harris, Geraldine Stitts, Mr. Cleo and Dr. Carla Thomas, etc…

He also leaves to cherish his memory the following: A plethora of nieces and nephews, cousins, former colleagues, former students, friends, Bonus Grandchildren: Kate Scarbrough and Lee Leach, and godson- Charles (Chuck) Stinson III.

Preceded in death by the following: Parents, Luella Perry and Oscar Garrett; Sister, Gearldine Garrett; Brothers, Edward Garrett and Willie Garrett; and a beloved nephew Thomas Garrett.