Garvey L. Tolliver, Jr, age 89, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident passed away May 12, 2020 at home.
He was born April 24, 1931 in Boone, North Carolina to Garvey, Sr. and Ruth (Tilley) Tolliver. He was raised in Wyco, West Virginia, a company owned coal mining town. He had many fond memories of growing up playing and hiking in the mountains of Appalachia.
After working briefly as a coal miner, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning from Korea he worked on a Chrysler automobile assembly line in Detroit before rejoining his family, which had relocated to Sedro-Woolley to assist family. After moving to Sedro-Woolley he apprenticed as a machinist at the Skagit/Bendix Corporation where he retired more than 30 years later.
Garvey was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 7, 1962. He was married to Mabel Smit in Sedro-Woolley on August 3, 1963.
Garvey was a natural story teller, known for having a friendly and warm personality. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses his main focus in life was to teach as many as he could about the Bible and Jehovah’s promises. We all look forward to the privilege of welcoming Garvey back in the resurrection.
Garvey is survived by his wife, Mabel; children, David Tolliver (Kim), Daniel Tolliver and Sarah Scofield (John); Sister, Martha Gregory (Paul) and as well as nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; Garvey Lee Tolliver, Sr. and Ruth Tolliver as well as his sister, Sally Ruth (Tolliver) Pate and nephew, Steven Pate.
A memorial service will be held via Zoom video conferencing on Saturday, May 23rd at 11:00 AM. Please leave your email address in the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com if you wish to receive an invitation to attend the video memorial service. Garvey’s final resting place will be with his parents at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Share your memories of Garvey and sign the online guest register.
Garvey was such a precious friend that we’ve known for many years. He was a very kind sincere and loving man and we will miss him so very much. But we know we will see him in the resurrection soon ahead, so this makes our hearts happy to think of that day to come.
Big Brother, you might have left us, but you will always be alive in my memories. You were a master story teller of your life adventures. I wish I could hear more of them. I will miss you forever.
Whenever I see an Olive Garden Restaurant or an ice cream shop selling blueberry ice cream, I will think of your happy smile. Also, I’m glad you met your goal of living as long as our dad, 89 years old. I wish it had been longer.
Your Sister
Lots of memories of Garvey when I was in Sedro Woolley congregation many years ago. Looking forward to seeing him again soon. Thoughts and prayers to Mabel and family. Swilhonen@gmail.com
So sorry to hear that Danny. Share that with your Mom, and your brother. You do know don’t you, that your Dad performed the wedding for Judy and I.
Garvey will be missed by all. Especially the Uyeno family who fondly remembers and appreciates the hospitality shown by Garvey and family 45 years ago when we first moved here to work with the Spanish group.
Ron and Linda Uyeno