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1954 - 2018 (64 years)| Name | Randolph Lee “Randy” GARRETT [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9] | |
| Suffix | Jr. | |
| Birth | 24 May 1954 | Moncks Corner, Berkeley County, South Carolina  [1] |
| Gender | Male | |
| HIST | Clarendon sheriff, probate judge seek 2nd terms Robert J. Baker bbaker@theitem.com Randy Garrett Jr. said his late father taught him one thing above many others. "He said if you told someone you're going to do something, then you need to do it," said Garrett, who is seeking his second term as Clarendon County sheriff as a candidate in the June Democratic Primary. At 57, Garrett has 38 years in law enforcement, having served as Manning police chief for 10 years before becoming sheriff in 2009. "This office belongs to the citizens of Clarendon County, and that's one thing that I try to remember every day," Garrett said. "This is a job where if the citizens don't like the job you're doing, then they will take care of it and vote for someone else. I've been grateful to serve as sheriff for four years and I can't imagine doing anything else. I hope the citizens will still have confidence in my abilities." Hoping that same thing is Probate Judge Kathy Geddings, who is also seeking her second term in the June primary as a Democrat. Geddings' main goal upon taking office four years ago - after working under the county's previous probate judges for more than two decades - was updating the technology in the Probate Court. At the time, many of the records in the office weren't backed up; some weren't even digitized at all. "With the cooperation of (County) Council and our grants and IT departments, we were able to obtain a grant to update to a new software program which is integrated with a scanning program for archival purposes," Geddings said. "This will not only assist us going forward, but now we have the capability to back-scan many of the irreplaceable documents for which we previously had no effective back-up." A 1969 graduate of Manning High School, Geddings has worked in the office since the county established it 27 years ago. She had served with former judges Julien Weinberg, Ralph F. Cothran and Barney Lee B. Morris. "With my 27 years of experience in the office, I still feel that I am uniquely qualified to continue to serve my community in this important role," Geddings said. "I continue to be grateful for the education I received working under all of the prior probate judges since the creation of a separate Probate Court." A Holly Hill native and graduate of Orangeburg County, Garrett said he would also like to continue several programs implemented during his time as sheriff. "With the Manning Police Department and our other municipalities, we have formed a Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force, and I believe that has helped tremendously in slowing the drug trade in Clarendon County," Garrett said. "There's a lot more communication now between all the agencies in the county, and with SLED (the State Law Enforcement Division) and other state and federal agencies, as well." Garrett said he thinks the county has "better overall coverage from our deputies" since his election four years ago. "We now operate in zones, and a deputy will spend his entire shift in that zone," said Garrett, noting the zones are split along school district lines mostly. "If that deputy has to leave the zone for any reason, there is another deputy that will come in. This has drastically decreased our response time." Garrett also thinks the sheriff's department is "more open" than it once was. "I've had people tell me they couldn't get past the front door before, and now they come and sit in my office," Garrett said. "I think it all comes back to the people. If they want you, they'll support you. If they like what you're doing, they'll let you know. If they don't, they'll let you know. Believe me, when you say something and it doesn't follow through, they definitely let you know." Posted in Local news, News on Sunday, March 25, 2012 'A cop's cop' Sheriff Randy Garrett reflects on 42 1/2-year career; 8 years as sheriff Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett has spent 42 1/2 years in law enforcement, including eight years as sheriff. KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM Posted Friday, December 30, 2016 6:00 am BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY KONSTANTIN@THEITEM.COM Grateful for the opportunity to serve. That's how Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett said he would describe his 42 1/2-year career in law enforcement and his last eight years as the top lawman in Clarendon County. In January, he will officially give up his post to Sheriff-elect Tim Baxley, to whom he lost the election in the Democratic primary in June. There was no Republican opposition to the seat. "I've had a great career and I couldn't accomplish anything without the support of the people around me," Garret said in an interview on Wednesday. "I've worked with some fine law enforcement officers over the years, and we got through many difficult situations by working together. That's where the success came from. I'm just blessed to have had the head job." Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said he knew Garrett before he was elected sheriff and had developed a friendship with him. "He was a cop's cop," Lott said. "As Manning Police Department chief he developed a reputation of honesty, integrity and being tough on crime. Once he was elected sheriff, he carried those traits with him and never compromised on them. I watched him face personal and family challenges while keeping his faith strong. I am honored to call him my friend." Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis described Garrett as a "longtime lawman who always stayed on the forefront of technology." "He made sure his deputies were well-trained and ready for almost any situation," Dennis said. "We worked many operations together and enjoyed a great working relationship. I not only knew him as a colleague but also as a friend." Clarendon County Chief Deputy Preston Stukes said he considers Garrett to be a big brother to him. "He's a great boss and a very compassionate person," Stukes said. "He is a great leader who would always steer you in the right direction." Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart said he appreciated all of the hard work that Garrett has put in over the years to the county and City of Manning. "Sheriff Garrett is well respected throughout our county and the law enforcement community," Stewart said. "He had to deal with a lot of changes in law enforcement over his 42 year career. He worked well with other agencies in fighting crime throughout the region." Manning Mayor Julia A. Nelson said she always found Garret to be very approachable and responsive. "During the times of natural disasters, his leadership played a major role for the best outcomes, which ensured safety for public safety workers and our citizens," Nelson said. "His public service will be missed but not forgotten." Garrett, 62, a native of Holly Hill, said he was always fascinated with law enforcement while growing up. At age 20, Garrett started out as a dispatcher with the Gaffney Police Department and at 21 he became a full time officer. In the early 1970s, he moved to Clarendon County and started out as an officer with the Summerton Police Department. He then served the Manning Police Department for four years and the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. He was appointed Manning Police Department chief in 1998, a position he held for 11 years. In 2008, Garrett was elected sheriff, defeating former Sheriff Keith Josey. "It was a dream of mine for many years," he said. "I was blessed to have many great role models, all whom I learned from." Some of the things Garrett said the sheriff's office was able to accomplish under his two terms include: improving response time, drug enforcement and criminal investigations. The designation of deputies to specific patrol zones has significantly improved response time, he said. Increasing the number of deputies on patrol at night also helped in responding to incidents in the dark hours. Several special law enforcement units were created under Garrett's term, including the Interstate Crime Enforcement team, the Special Response Team, the K-9 tracking team, the Community Action Team, Warrants Division and traffic team. The ICE team made dozens of drug busts, seizures of weapons and cash on Interstate 95. The team also made multiple arrests involving identity and credit car theft. In April, the team confiscated the largest amount of cash in the department's history, discovering more than $813,000 in the trunk of a vehicle during a traffic stop on I-95. "I did many drug interdictions myself on the interstate in the 1980s and saw what was going on then," Garrett said. "Today it's 10 times worse, with fugitives traveling up and down I-95, drugs and money laundering." The Community Action Team has assisted with major community events and church functions. The Special Response Team has trained and worked on cases searching for suspects in densely wooded areas and swamps. The sheriff's office has also provided training for active shooter situations in schools and businesses. School resource officers are now stationed at most of the county's three school districts. Garrett said he's proud of the way the sheriff's office responded during natural disasters, including the October 2015 floods with many of his deputies who worked days without breaks. "You just couldn't ask anymore of our employees with everything they did," he said. "We prayed during the flood that we wouldn't lose anyone, and I thank God we didn't. Although we had several calls in which deputies had to risk their lives." There have been many tough cases that Garrett said his deputies were a part of during his term, and that they always handled them exceptionally well. Garrett said he would like to thank the community for supporting him after he lost his wife, the late Barbara Brock Garrett, in July 2015 after a long illness. Barbara Garrett had a 24-year career in law enforcement communications. "I never saw so much love and support from all of my deputies and the community," he said, with tears in his eyes. "That's what I'll remember the most." When asked what he plans on doing next, Garrett said it's all in God's hands. "I've had a good career and I know God will lay the path and I'll just follow," he said. And to Sheriff-elect Baxley, Garrett said he wished all the best. "I've known Tim Baxley for a long time and consider him a friend," he said. "I can personally say being sheriff will be different from anything he's done in his life. But as long as he surrounds himself with good people, he'll do great." RANDOLPH LEE GARRETT JR. Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2018 6:00 am MANNING - Randolph Lee "Randy" Garrett Jr., 64, widower of Barbara Brock Garrett, died on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Born on May 25, 1954, in Moncks Corner, he was a son of the late Randolph Lee Garrett Sr. and Ada Jean Wiles Garrett. He was a former chief of police for the city of Manning and the former sheriff of Clarendon County. He is survived by three daughters, Lamonda Sweat of Manning, Christina Garrett of Florence and Brittney Garrett of Summerville; two grandchildren, Dori Sweat and Jake Sweat; two brothers, Adam Carroll of Eutawville and Randy Lee Garrett III (Melissa) of Holly Hill; a sister, Jo Ann Buchanan (Charles) of Bakersville, North Carolina; and stepmother, Betty Garrett of Holly Hill. He was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Allen Garrett. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Weldon Auditorium with the Rev. Jessie Brock officiating. Burial will follow at Clarendon Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be the South Carolina Highway Patrol Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be his numerous brothers and sisters in law enforcement. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 2193 Lake Shore Drive, Manning. Memorials may be made to The Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr. Foundation Inc., www.sites.google.com/view/invhnsmithfoundation. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org Former Clarendon sheriff was friend to many, had a servant’s heart RANDOLPH LEE ‘RANDY’ GARRETT JR.: 1954 - 2018 Sheriff Randy Garrett, former sheriff for Clarendon County, died Saturday at 64. PHOTO PROVIDED Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2018 6:00 am Randolph Lee "Randy" Garrett Jr. By SHARRON HALEY Special to The Sumter Item MANNING - Loving husband and father, devoted brother, true friend, selfless servant, peacemaker and "a cop's cop" were just a few of the monikers those close to former Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett used to describe their late comrade. Surrounded by his family and members of his law enforcement extended family, Randolph Lee "Randy" Garrett Jr., 64, died late Saturday afternoon in a Florence hospital after a brief illness. To know Garrett was to love him, and he loved his close friends and his law enforcement family, calling many of them "Shug" and "Bubba." Hundreds, if not a thousand or more, friends, residents of Clarendon County and law enforcement officers from dozens of agencies across South Carolina sent loving posts on Facebook to Garrett's daughters and family members after they learned their close friend, a 44-year law enforcement veteran, was hospitalized on Aug. 20. Garrett's daughter, Lamonda Sweat, said late Saturday night she and her sisters truly appreciated all the prayers that were sent their way during the week her father was hospitalized. It kept them going, she said. Local businessman Dennis Craven said he and Garrett were more than just friends - they were brothers in the truest sense of the word. "We were there for each other through thick and thin," Craven said Monday morning. "I was there for him when officers were killed, when his mother died and when Barbara died. And, he was there for me when I needed him. Our relationship was special. No matter what, I knew he was there for me. We always said that whatever comes and goes that he and I would always be brothers." State Sen. Kevin Johnson, who hired Garrett as Manning's police chief when Johnson was the city's mayor, called Garrett's death not only a huge loss for Clarendon County, but also for him personally. "I'm happy to have played a role in his law enforcement career. When I was mayor of Manning, I hired him as our police chief, and he served our city well. Not only was he a professional law enforcement officer, he was one of my best friends. We even called each other brother. My family and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his daughters, Lamonda, Christina and Brittney," Johnson said Sunday afternoon. Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis called Garrett a "true friend" and a "selfless servant." "He leaves behind a legacy of not only honorable service, but also a legacy of dedication and compassion to his family, friends and fellow officers," Dennis said Monday. "He was truly a selfless servant. I am certain after spending time with him that he loved his family, his fellow officers and, quite honestly, his Clarendon County community." "Clarendon County and the world is a better place having had Randy Garrett," Dennis said in a statement released Monday afternoon. "I am a better person and a better sheriff having partnered with him." From almost the age he could talk, Garrett wanted to be a police officer. A native of Holly Hill, Garrett started out as a dispatcher with Gaffney Police Department when he was just 20 years old. One year later, he became a full-time officer in Gaffney. In the early 1970s, Garrett moved to Clarendon County where he became an officer with Summerton Police Department. It wasn't long before he joined Manning Police Department where he served for four years before joining the ranks of Clarendon County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. In 1998, Johnson hired Garrett as Manning's chief of police, a position he held for 11 years. In 2004, Garrett got his first taste of politics running against then-sheriff Keith Josey. He didn't win that year, but that didn't slow him down. Four years later, he tried it again, and this time he succeeded and served the residents of Clarendon County for two terms. "It was a dream of mine for many years," Garrett said after winning the race for sheriff in 2008. "I was blessed to have many great role models, all whom I learned from." During those two terms, Garrett improved deputy response time and set a priority on drug enforcement and criminal investigations. He also designed specific patrol zones for deputies that not only improved response time, but also allowed them to get to know their zones as well as the residents living within those areas. He was exceedingly proud of his deputies, always recognizing their accomplishments. Brandon Braxton, a K-9 criminal intervention officer with Clarendon County Sheriff's Office under Garrett, called his former boss "a cop's cop." "He looked out for you no matter what, and he loved Clarendon County and his deputies more than anyone I've ever come across," Braxton said Sunday in a Facebook post. "Sheriff Garrett put a lot of bad guys in jail as they attempted to traffic contraband through Clarendon on I-95, and I was his biggest fan He planted the same bug in me that he had for catching smugglers, and when we caught one and radioed it in, it wouldn't be 15 minutes before you'd hear him on the radio. 'Clarendon 100, I'll be out with my boys here at the 132.' That was the kind of boss he was. He wanted to be right up in the mix and would be grinning from ear to ear when he pulled up, 'I hear ya boy.'" Following a large drug bust on the interstate, Braxton remembers Garrett's exact words: "I'm proud of you, Bubba." "That meant more to me that he would ever know," Braxton added. "The sheriff may be gone from this earth, but his legacy will never die. Love you Big Shug. Thank you for everything and making me the man I am today." Mark Keels, chief of SLED, said he and Garrett were dear friends who talked on a regular basis. Keels also said he knew Garrett's late wife, Barbara, as well as Garrett's daughter, Brittney. Garrett's late wife, who died three years ago, managed the South Carolina Highway Patrol's Florence telecommunications/dispatch office until she retired while his daughter currently works out of the SCHP's Charleston telecommunications/dispatch office. "Randy and I have been dear friends for a long time," Keels said Monday afternoon. "I knew his wife and his daughter when I worked with the Department of Public Safety. They are good people. I have always been there to help him. Over the years, we've talked a lot. We talked about Barbara and how much he missed her. I am going to miss him." Garrett's family has asked that memorials be made to The Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr. Foundation Inc. at www.sites.google.com/view/invhnsmithfoundation. Smith was working for Garrett as an investigator with the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office when he died in the line of duty in November 2014. "Sheriff was one of Holmes' best friends," Holmes' widow, Tonia Mallett Smith, said Sunday. "If Randy said it, it was law. They talked on the phone all the time." "He made sure everything was taken care of," Smith added. "Much of what he had done, I didn't know that he had done it until the day of the homegoing services. He also named the new tracker dog Holmes. Since Holmes' passing, he has stayed in touch. We texted every now and then, and he kept up with what my kids were doing. We will miss him deeply. He was an awesome man. He was definitely one of the best." Smith sought both solace and strength when she referred to Matthew 5:9 to honor her late friend: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home, 304 N. Church St., in Manning and at other times at the home, 2193 Lake Shore Drive, Manning. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., with the Rev. Jessie Brock officiating. Pallbearers will be the South Carolina Highway Patrol Honor Guard with his brothers and sisters in law enforcement serving as honorary pallbearers. Portion of I-95 dedicated to former Clarendon Sheriff Randy Garrett The daughters of the late Randy Garrett, former sheriff of Clarendon County, are seen at the sign naming the portion of Interstate 95 from exit 102 to exit 115 the Randolph Garrett Jr. Memorial Highway. PHOTO PROVIDED Posted Friday, August 2, 2019 6:00 am BY SHARRON HALEY Clarendon contributor MANNING - A wonderful father, dedicated law enforcement veteran, fabulous dancer, beloved friend and a man who loved his community and music was remembered on July 20 during a dedication ceremony that named a portion of Interstate 95 in his honor, the Randolph Garrett Jr. Memorial Highway. The more than 13-mile stretch of interstate was one of the areas that Garrett frequently patrolled while he was with the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office early in his career. Garrett's three daughters, Lamonda Sweat and Christina and Brittney Garrett, were on hand for the ceremony along with 75 attendees including several of his former deputies and employees, friends, family and community members. "Daddy told us lots of stories about patrolling the interstate between the 102 and the 119," Sweat said. "I sure do miss those stories." Christina Garrett remembered her father as a compassionate man who loved people. "I am really proud of our Dad," she said. "He loved being with people, and he was always willing to help everyone." Brittney Garrett remembered her father as a man who loved music and was quite the dancer. Brittney said she videotaped her father dancing to "Ice Ice Baby." "That video when viral in Clarendon County," she said with a laugh. "He loved music, and he loved to dance." His youngest daughter also remembered her father as a man who wasn't afraid to show his emotions. "At news conferences, whether it was for a child who was returned to its parents or a murder, he would get choked up," Brittney said. "He was never ashamed of that. He had the biggest heart." Sen. Kevin Johnson introduced the bill naming the portion of I-95 from Exit 102 to Exit 115 in honor of the former Clarendon County sheriff. "Randy and I, we were closer than friends," Johnson said. "We referred to each other as brothers." Johnson said that he met Garrett through his mother and become lifelong friends with the veteran law enforcement officer. Johnson said he was either on council or Manning's mayor when Garrett joined the Manning Police Department and shortly afterward became the city's police chief. "Why would anyone commit a crime in Manning because Randy was known to get his man?" Johnson shared. "We know that as we drive up and down that portion of the interstate, we will remember what he meant to this county, and others will know what he meant to us." Although Manning Mayor Julia Nelson had a prior commitment in the Upstate and was unable to attend the ceremony, Manning's Kim Johnson presented Nelson's remarks. "Sheriff Randy Garrett served with a passion for justice and a even bigger compassion for people," Nelson said. "There are countless stories about Randy's successful law enforcement career. However, after becoming mayor, I learned of this 'Gentle Giant's' big heart." Nelson said that she remembered many occasions when Garrett went "beyond the call of duty to secure the safe return of children and individuals with dementia who had wandered away from home." "I also witnessed firsthand his leadership and concern for the safety of the many lives impacted by the recent floods in our county," Nelson added. With his daughters by his side, Garrett died on Aug. 25, 2018, in a Florence hospital after a brief illness. Garrett, a native of Holly Hill, began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher with the Gaffney Police Department when he was 20 years old. One year later, he joined the Gaffney police force. In the early 1970s, Garrett moved to Clarendon County and became an officer with the Summerton Police Department. From there, he moved to the Manning Police Department before joining the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office. In 1998, Garrett became Manning's police chief, a position he held for 11 years. In 2008, he was elected Clarendon County sheriff, a position he held for eight years. "It was a dream of mine for many years," Garrett said after winning the race for sheriff in 2008. "I was blessed to have many great role models, all whom I learned from." [1, 6, 7, 8, 9] | |
| HIST | Clarendon sheriff, probate judge seek 2nd terms Robert J. Baker bbaker@theitem.com Randy Garrett Jr. said his late father taught him one thing above many others. "He said if you told someone you're going to do something, then you need to do it," said Garrett, who is seeking his second term as Clarendon County sheriff as a candidate in the June Democratic Primary. At 57, Garrett has 38 years in law enforcement, having served as Manning police chief for 10 years before becoming sheriff in 2009. "This office belongs to the citizens of Clarendon County, and that's one thing that I try to remember every day," Garrett said. "This is a job where if the citizens don't like the job you're doing, then they will take care of it and vote for someone else. I've been grateful to serve as sheriff for four years and I can't imagine doing anything else. I hope the citizens will still have confidence in my abilities." Hoping that same thing is Probate Judge Kathy Geddings, who is also seeking her second term in the June primary as a Democrat. Geddings' main goal upon taking office four years ago - after working under the county's previous probate judges for more than two decades - was updating the technology in the Probate Court. At the time, many of the records in the office weren't backed up; some weren't even digitized at all. "With the cooperation of (County) Council and our grants and IT departments, we were able to obtain a grant to update to a new software program which is integrated with a scanning program for archival purposes," Geddings said. "This will not only assist us going forward, but now we have the capability to back-scan many of the irreplaceable documents for which we previously had no effective back-up." A 1969 graduate of Manning High School, Geddings has worked in the office since the county established it 27 years ago. She had served with former judges Julien Weinberg, Ralph F. Cothran and Barney Lee B. Morris. "With my 27 years of experience in the office, I still feel that I am uniquely qualified to continue to serve my community in this important role," Geddings said. "I continue to be grateful for the education I received working under all of the prior probate judges since the creation of a separate Probate Court." A Holly Hill native and graduate of Orangeburg County, Garrett said he would also like to continue several programs implemented during his time as sheriff. "With the Manning Police Department and our other municipalities, we have formed a Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force, and I believe that has helped tremendously in slowing the drug trade in Clarendon County," Garrett said. "There's a lot more communication now between all the agencies in the county, and with SLED (the State Law Enforcement Division) and other state and federal agencies, as well." Garrett said he thinks the county has "better overall coverage from our deputies" since his election four years ago. "We now operate in zones, and a deputy will spend his entire shift in that zone," said Garrett, noting the zones are split along school district lines mostly. "If that deputy has to leave the zone for any reason, there is another deputy that will come in. This has drastically decreased our response time." Garrett also thinks the sheriff's department is "more open" than it once was. "I've had people tell me they couldn't get past the front door before, and now they come and sit in my office," Garrett said. "I think it all comes back to the people. If they want you, they'll support you. If they like what you're doing, they'll let you know. If they don't, they'll let you know. Believe me, when you say something and it doesn't follow through, they definitely let you know." Posted in Local news, News on Sunday, March 25, 2012 'A cop's cop' Sheriff Randy Garrett reflects on 42 1/2-year career; 8 years as sheriff Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett has spent 42 1/2 years in law enforcement, including eight years as sheriff. KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM Posted Friday, December 30, 2016 6:00 am BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY KONSTANTIN@THEITEM.COM Grateful for the opportunity to serve. That's how Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett said he would describe his 42 1/2-year career in law enforcement and his last eight years as the top lawman in Clarendon County. In January, he will officially give up his post to Sheriff-elect Tim Baxley, to whom he lost the election in the Democratic primary in June. There was no Republican opposition to the seat. "I've had a great career and I couldn't accomplish anything without the support of the people around me," Garret said in an interview on Wednesday. "I've worked with some fine law enforcement officers over the years, and we got through many difficult situations by working together. That's where the success came from. I'm just blessed to have had the head job." Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said he knew Garrett before he was elected sheriff and had developed a friendship with him. "He was a cop's cop," Lott said. "As Manning Police Department chief he developed a reputation of honesty, integrity and being tough on crime. Once he was elected sheriff, he carried those traits with him and never compromised on them. I watched him face personal and family challenges while keeping his faith strong. I am honored to call him my friend." Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis described Garrett as a "longtime lawman who always stayed on the forefront of technology." "He made sure his deputies were well-trained and ready for almost any situation," Dennis said. "We worked many operations together and enjoyed a great working relationship. I not only knew him as a colleague but also as a friend." Clarendon County Chief Deputy Preston Stukes said he considers Garrett to be a big brother to him. "He's a great boss and a very compassionate person," Stukes said. "He is a great leader who would always steer you in the right direction." Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart said he appreciated all of the hard work that Garrett has put in over the years to the county and City of Manning. "Sheriff Garrett is well respected throughout our county and the law enforcement community," Stewart said. "He had to deal with a lot of changes in law enforcement over his 42 year career. He worked well with other agencies in fighting crime throughout the region." Manning Mayor Julia A. Nelson said she always found Garret to be very approachable and responsive. "During the times of natural disasters, his leadership played a major role for the best outcomes, which ensured safety for public safety workers and our citizens," Nelson said. "His public service will be missed but not forgotten." Garrett, 62, a native of Holly Hill, said he was always fascinated with law enforcement while growing up. At age 20, Garrett started out as a dispatcher with the Gaffney Police Department and at 21 he became a full time officer. In the early 1970s, he moved to Clarendon County and started out as an officer with the Summerton Police Department. He then served the Manning Police Department for four years and the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. He was appointed Manning Police Department chief in 1998, a position he held for 11 years. In 2008, Garrett was elected sheriff, defeating former Sheriff Keith Josey. "It was a dream of mine for many years," he said. "I was blessed to have many great role models, all whom I learned from." Some of the things Garrett said the sheriff's office was able to accomplish under his two terms include: improving response time, drug enforcement and criminal investigations. The designation of deputies to specific patrol zones has significantly improved response time, he said. Increasing the number of deputies on patrol at night also helped in responding to incidents in the dark hours. Several special law enforcement units were created under Garrett's term, including the Interstate Crime Enforcement team, the Special Response Team, the K-9 tracking team, the Community Action Team, Warrants Division and traffic team. The ICE team made dozens of drug busts, seizures of weapons and cash on Interstate 95. The team also made multiple arrests involving identity and credit car theft. In April, the team confiscated the largest amount of cash in the department's history, discovering more than $813,000 in the trunk of a vehicle during a traffic stop on I-95. "I did many drug interdictions myself on the interstate in the 1980s and saw what was going on then," Garrett said. "Today it's 10 times worse, with fugitives traveling up and down I-95, drugs and money laundering." The Community Action Team has assisted with major community events and church functions. The Special Response Team has trained and worked on cases searching for suspects in densely wooded areas and swamps. The sheriff's office has also provided training for active shooter situations in schools and businesses. School resource officers are now stationed at most of the county's three school districts. Garrett said he's proud of the way the sheriff's office responded during natural disasters, including the October 2015 floods with many of his deputies who worked days without breaks. "You just couldn't ask anymore of our employees with everything they did," he said. "We prayed during the flood that we wouldn't lose anyone, and I thank God we didn't. Although we had several calls in which deputies had to risk their lives." There have been many tough cases that Garrett said his deputies were a part of during his term, and that they always handled them exceptionally well. Garrett said he would like to thank the community for supporting him after he lost his wife, the late Barbara Brock Garrett, in July 2015 after a long illness. Barbara Garrett had a 24-year career in law enforcement communications. "I never saw so much love and support from all of my deputies and the community," he said, with tears in his eyes. "That's what I'll remember the most." When asked what he plans on doing next, Garrett said it's all in God's hands. "I've had a good career and I know God will lay the path and I'll just follow," he said. And to Sheriff-elect Baxley, Garrett said he wished all the best. "I've known Tim Baxley for a long time and consider him a friend," he said. "I can personally say being sheriff will be different from anything he's done in his life. But as long as he surrounds himself with good people, he'll do great." RANDOLPH LEE GARRETT JR. Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2018 6:00 am MANNING - Randolph Lee "Randy" Garrett Jr., 64, widower of Barbara Brock Garrett, died on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Born on May 25, 1954, in Moncks Corner, he was a son of the late Randolph Lee Garrett Sr. and Ada Jean Wiles Garrett. He was a former chief of police for the city of Manning and the former sheriff of Clarendon County. He is survived by three daughters, Lamonda Sweat of Manning, Christina Garrett of Florence and Brittney Garrett of Summerville; two grandchildren, Dori Sweat and Jake Sweat; two brothers, Adam Carroll of Eutawville and Randy Lee Garrett III (Melissa) of Holly Hill; a sister, Jo Ann Buchanan (Charles) of Bakersville, North Carolina; and stepmother, Betty Garrett of Holly Hill. He was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Allen Garrett. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Weldon Auditorium with the Rev. Jessie Brock officiating. Burial will follow at Clarendon Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be the South Carolina Highway Patrol Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be his numerous brothers and sisters in law enforcement. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 2193 Lake Shore Drive, Manning. Memorials may be made to The Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr. Foundation Inc., www.sites.google.com/view/invhnsmithfoundation. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org Former Clarendon sheriff was friend to many, had a servant’s heart RANDOLPH LEE ‘RANDY’ GARRETT JR.: 1954 - 2018 Sheriff Randy Garrett, former sheriff for Clarendon County, died Saturday at 64. PHOTO PROVIDED Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2018 6:00 am Randolph Lee "Randy" Garrett Jr. By SHARRON HALEY Special to The Sumter Item MANNING - Loving husband and father, devoted brother, true friend, selfless servant, peacemaker and "a cop's cop" were just a few of the monikers those close to former Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett used to describe their late comrade. Surrounded by his family and members of his law enforcement extended family, Randolph Lee "Randy" Garrett Jr., 64, died late Saturday afternoon in a Florence hospital after a brief illness. To know Garrett was to love him, and he loved his close friends and his law enforcement family, calling many of them "Shug" and "Bubba." Hundreds, if not a thousand or more, friends, residents of Clarendon County and law enforcement officers from dozens of agencies across South Carolina sent loving posts on Facebook to Garrett's daughters and family members after they learned their close friend, a 44-year law enforcement veteran, was hospitalized on Aug. 20. Garrett's daughter, Lamonda Sweat, said late Saturday night she and her sisters truly appreciated all the prayers that were sent their way during the week her father was hospitalized. It kept them going, she said. Local businessman Dennis Craven said he and Garrett were more than just friends - they were brothers in the truest sense of the word. "We were there for each other through thick and thin," Craven said Monday morning. "I was there for him when officers were killed, when his mother died and when Barbara died. And, he was there for me when I needed him. Our relationship was special. No matter what, I knew he was there for me. We always said that whatever comes and goes that he and I would always be brothers." State Sen. Kevin Johnson, who hired Garrett as Manning's police chief when Johnson was the city's mayor, called Garrett's death not only a huge loss for Clarendon County, but also for him personally. "I'm happy to have played a role in his law enforcement career. When I was mayor of Manning, I hired him as our police chief, and he served our city well. Not only was he a professional law enforcement officer, he was one of my best friends. We even called each other brother. My family and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his daughters, Lamonda, Christina and Brittney," Johnson said Sunday afternoon. Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis called Garrett a "true friend" and a "selfless servant." "He leaves behind a legacy of not only honorable service, but also a legacy of dedication and compassion to his family, friends and fellow officers," Dennis said Monday. "He was truly a selfless servant. I am certain after spending time with him that he loved his family, his fellow officers and, quite honestly, his Clarendon County community." "Clarendon County and the world is a better place having had Randy Garrett," Dennis said in a statement released Monday afternoon. "I am a better person and a better sheriff having partnered with him." From almost the age he could talk, Garrett wanted to be a police officer. A native of Holly Hill, Garrett started out as a dispatcher with Gaffney Police Department when he was just 20 years old. One year later, he became a full-time officer in Gaffney. In the early 1970s, Garrett moved to Clarendon County where he became an officer with Summerton Police Department. It wasn't long before he joined Manning Police Department where he served for four years before joining the ranks of Clarendon County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. In 1998, Johnson hired Garrett as Manning's chief of police, a position he held for 11 years. In 2004, Garrett got his first taste of politics running against then-sheriff Keith Josey. He didn't win that year, but that didn't slow him down. Four years later, he tried it again, and this time he succeeded and served the residents of Clarendon County for two terms. "It was a dream of mine for many years," Garrett said after winning the race for sheriff in 2008. "I was blessed to have many great role models, all whom I learned from." During those two terms, Garrett improved deputy response time and set a priority on drug enforcement and criminal investigations. He also designed specific patrol zones for deputies that not only improved response time, but also allowed them to get to know their zones as well as the residents living within those areas. He was exceedingly proud of his deputies, always recognizing their accomplishments. Brandon Braxton, a K-9 criminal intervention officer with Clarendon County Sheriff's Office under Garrett, called his former boss "a cop's cop." "He looked out for you no matter what, and he loved Clarendon County and his deputies more than anyone I've ever come across," Braxton said Sunday in a Facebook post. "Sheriff Garrett put a lot of bad guys in jail as they attempted to traffic contraband through Clarendon on I-95, and I was his biggest fan He planted the same bug in me that he had for catching smugglers, and when we caught one and radioed it in, it wouldn't be 15 minutes before you'd hear him on the radio. 'Clarendon 100, I'll be out with my boys here at the 132.' That was the kind of boss he was. He wanted to be right up in the mix and would be grinning from ear to ear when he pulled up, 'I hear ya boy.'" Following a large drug bust on the interstate, Braxton remembers Garrett's exact words: "I'm proud of you, Bubba." "That meant more to me that he would ever know," Braxton added. "The sheriff may be gone from this earth, but his legacy will never die. Love you Big Shug. Thank you for everything and making me the man I am today." Mark Keels, chief of SLED, said he and Garrett were dear friends who talked on a regular basis. Keels also said he knew Garrett's late wife, Barbara, as well as Garrett's daughter, Brittney. Garrett's late wife, who died three years ago, managed the South Carolina Highway Patrol's Florence telecommunications/dispatch office until she retired while his daughter currently works out of the SCHP's Charleston telecommunications/dispatch office. "Randy and I have been dear friends for a long time," Keels said Monday afternoon. "I knew his wife and his daughter when I worked with the Department of Public Safety. They are good people. I have always been there to help him. Over the years, we've talked a lot. We talked about Barbara and how much he missed her. I am going to miss him." Garrett's family has asked that memorials be made to The Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr. Foundation Inc. at www.sites.google.com/view/invhnsmithfoundation. Smith was working for Garrett as an investigator with the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office when he died in the line of duty in November 2014. "Sheriff was one of Holmes' best friends," Holmes' widow, Tonia Mallett Smith, said Sunday. "If Randy said it, it was law. They talked on the phone all the time." "He made sure everything was taken care of," Smith added. "Much of what he had done, I didn't know that he had done it until the day of the homegoing services. He also named the new tracker dog Holmes. Since Holmes' passing, he has stayed in touch. We texted every now and then, and he kept up with what my kids were doing. We will miss him deeply. He was an awesome man. He was definitely one of the best." Smith sought both solace and strength when she referred to Matthew 5:9 to honor her late friend: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home, 304 N. Church St., in Manning and at other times at the home, 2193 Lake Shore Drive, Manning. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., with the Rev. Jessie Brock officiating. Pallbearers will be the South Carolina Highway Patrol Honor Guard with his brothers and sisters in law enforcement serving as honorary pallbearers. Portion of I-95 dedicated to former Clarendon Sheriff Randy Garrett The daughters of the late Randy Garrett, former sheriff of Clarendon County, are seen at the sign naming the portion of Interstate 95 from exit 102 to exit 115 the Randolph Garrett Jr. Memorial Highway. PHOTO PROVIDED Posted Friday, August 2, 2019 6:00 am BY SHARRON HALEY Clarendon contributor MANNING - A wonderful father, dedicated law enforcement veteran, fabulous dancer, beloved friend and a man who loved his community and music was remembered on July 20 during a dedication ceremony that named a portion of Interstate 95 in his honor, the Randolph Garrett Jr. Memorial Highway. The more than 13-mile stretch of interstate was one of the areas that Garrett frequently patrolled while he was with the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office early in his career. Garrett's three daughters, Lamonda Sweat and Christina and Brittney Garrett, were on hand for the ceremony along with 75 attendees including several of his former deputies and employees, friends, family and community members. "Daddy told us lots of stories about patrolling the interstate between the 102 and the 119," Sweat said. "I sure do miss those stories." Christina Garrett remembered her father as a compassionate man who loved people. "I am really proud of our Dad," she said. "He loved being with people, and he was always willing to help everyone." Brittney Garrett remembered her father as a man who loved music and was quite the dancer. Brittney said she videotaped her father dancing to "Ice Ice Baby." "That video when viral in Clarendon County," she said with a laugh. "He loved music, and he loved to dance." His youngest daughter also remembered her father as a man who wasn't afraid to show his emotions. "At news conferences, whether it was for a child who was returned to its parents or a murder, he would get choked up," Brittney said. "He was never ashamed of that. He had the biggest heart." Sen. Kevin Johnson introduced the bill naming the portion of I-95 from Exit 102 to Exit 115 in honor of the former Clarendon County sheriff. "Randy and I, we were closer than friends," Johnson said. "We referred to each other as brothers." Johnson said that he met Garrett through his mother and become lifelong friends with the veteran law enforcement officer. Johnson said he was either on council or Manning's mayor when Garrett joined the Manning Police Department and shortly afterward became the city's police chief. "Why would anyone commit a crime in Manning because Randy was known to get his man?" Johnson shared. "We know that as we drive up and down that portion of the interstate, we will remember what he meant to this county, and others will know what he meant to us." Although Manning Mayor Julia Nelson had a prior commitment in the Upstate and was unable to attend the ceremony, Manning's Kim Johnson presented Nelson's remarks. "Sheriff Randy Garrett served with a passion for justice and a even bigger compassion for people," Nelson said. "There are countless stories about Randy's successful law enforcement career. However, after becoming mayor, I learned of this 'Gentle Giant's' big heart." Nelson said that she remembered many occasions when Garrett went "beyond the call of duty to secure the safe return of children and individuals with dementia who had wandered away from home." "I also witnessed firsthand his leadership and concern for the safety of the many lives impacted by the recent floods in our county," Nelson added. With his daughters by his side, Garrett died on Aug. 25, 2018, in a Florence hospital after a brief illness. Garrett, a native of Holly Hill, began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher with the Gaffney Police Department when he was 20 years old. One year later, he joined the Gaffney police force. In the early 1970s, Garrett moved to Clarendon County and became an officer with the Summerton Police Department. From there, he moved to the Manning Police Department before joining the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office. In 1998, Garrett became Manning's police chief, a position he held for 11 years. In 2008, he was elected Clarendon County sheriff, a position he held for eight years. "It was a dream of mine for many years," Garrett said after winning the race for sheriff in 2008. "I was blessed to have many great role models, all whom I learned from." | |
| Occupation | Clarendon County Sheriff, Clarendon County, South Carolina [3] | |
| Occupation | Clarendon County Sheriff, Clarendon County, South Carolina [3] | |
| _UID | 16832D601EB04DC79AB88EA2D1E5E7486FBB | |
| _UID | 16832D601EB04DC79AB88EA2D1E5E7486FBB | |
| Death | 25 Aug 2018 | McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, Florence County, South Carolina |
| Burial | 29 Aug 2018 | Clarendon Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Bloomville Highway, Manning, Clarendon County, South Carolina [7] |
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| Person ID | I276942 | Singleton and Related Families |
| Last Modified | 2 Aug 2019 | |
| Father | Randolph Lee “Randy” GARRETT, Sr., b. 30 Mar 1931, Cross, South Carolina d. 13 Oct 2011, at his home in Holly Hill, South Carolina (Age 80 years) | |
| Mother | Ada Jean WILES d. Bef 25 Aug 2018 | |
| _UID | 48BF726CCD3F4EDD88DD060C06B91D81F034 | |
| _UID | 48BF726CCD3F4EDD88DD060C06B91D81F034 | |
| Family ID | F186270 | Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Family 1 | Barbara BROCK, b. 11 Apr 1959, Kingstree, Williamsburg County, South Carolina d. 29 Jul 2015, at her home, (Manning, South Carolina) (Age 56 years) | |||||||
| _UID | 00E401CC319142CEBCF7776EE17E7307F49B | |||||||
| _UID | 00E401CC319142CEBCF7776EE17E7307F49B | |||||||
| Children |
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| Family ID | F186269 | Group Sheet | Family Chart | ||||||
| Last Modified | 14 Sep 2018 | |||||||
| Family 2 | Unknown | |||||
| _UID | 1FBC977D8FA9481B89EA7EF68F3B48FE8134 | |||||
| _UID | 1FBC977D8FA9481B89EA7EF68F3B48FE8134 | |||||
| Children |
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| Family ID | F203011 | Group Sheet | Family Chart | ||||
| Last Modified | 31 Jul 2015 | |||||
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