Floyd Charles Garland

Floyd Charles Garland, age 86, of Johnson City died on the fourteen day of January. Floyd was a native of Bakersville, NC, but lived most of his life in Erwin and Johnson City. He was the son of the late William and Sarah Street Garland. Floyd was a veteran of World War II; serving with the 4th Infantry Division Company K 22nd Regiment. He landed on Normandy Beach June of 1944 and on July 9th, 1944 in the out-skirts of St-Low, France, he received a gun shot wound to the left upper arm and shoulder and was evacuated to a hospital in England for surgery and rehabilitation. While in the hospital he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Medal. On November 10, 1944 he rejoined his unit in Germany. On November 20th, 1944 he was awarded a 2nd Purple Heart, Oak Leaf Cluster, and Bronze Star Medal. In the hospital he underwent a neuro-psychiatric evaluation and although he was deemed unfit for combat duty, he was assigned to Company A 398 Military Police Company and served until he was honorably discharge on January 23rd, 1946. Floyd was a lifetime member and past Commander of The Disabled American Veterans Johnny Douglas Chapter #9, Johnson City. He was a lifetime member and past Commander of The Military Order of the Purple Heart John Gooden Chapter #244, Johnson City. Floyd was a Master Mason for more than 58 years and a member of the Unicoi Masonic Lodge #681; a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason, Valley of Knoxville; a member of Shriners Jericho Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Kingsport. He served as a volunteer roadrunner transporting burned children to and from Shriners Children Hospital, Cincinnati, OH and crippled children to and from Shriners Hospital, Greenville,SC. Floyd was a millwright and retired from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). In addition to his parents, three brothers, Zebby Dee Garland, Fred Garland and Nathan Garland, and one sister Ethel Edwards, preceded Mr. Garland in Death. Survivors include three sisters, Pansy Garland and Mamie Boone both of Erwin, Blanche Cline of Semi Valley, CA; one brother, Job B. Garland of Baltimore, Maryland; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Garland will be cremated in accordance with his expressed desire. A memorial service for Floyd Charles Garland will be conducted at 2 PM Thursday, January 22, 2009 in the South Chapel of Morris-Baker Funeral Home. Col. Jack Burris Retired, Paul Serchia and Gina Garland will speak eulogies. A Masonic service will follow by the Unicoi Masonic Lodge # 681, F and A.M. Military Honors will also be accorded by the VFW Post # 3382 and assisted by the Tennessee National Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be sent to the Shriners Childrens Hospital, 950 Faris Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29605.