A COMMEMORATION OF THE LIFE OF
rnMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

SUNRISE
11-29-1939
SUNSET
3-11-2021
Saturday, March 20, 2021111:00 A.M.
HILLCREST MEMORIAL PARK
2700 Deans Bridge Road
Augusta, Georgia
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Reverend Marion Williams | Pastor
Minister Marcus Evans | Presiding
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COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR PERCELL OBIE GARVIN
Mr. Percell O. Garvin was born on November 29,1939, in Martinez, Georgia, to William H. Garvin
and Alma W. Garvin. He was the eldest of three siblings and was often referred to as Peppy by
many of his relatives.
Percell was a native Augustan who was educated in the Richmond County School System and he
was a 1958 graduate of Lucy C. Laney High School. Following his completion of high school, he
joined the U.S. Army in 1958. Besides having served overseas in Germany, Vietnam, and Korea, he
also served in the states of Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and California.


In addition, his military education included: basic combat corpsman, clinical specialist advanced
course, NCO Academy, advance medical administration and instructor course, as well as emergency
medical technician and sergeants major academy.
Some of Percells military awards and decorations included:
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Vietnam Cross of Gallantry
- The Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Army Legion of Merit
- Army Achievement Medals
- NCO Professional Development Medal
Percell honorably served in the U.S. army until his retirement in 1988, with an exceptional and
successful thirty-year career of outstanding service, patriotism, and great dedication to this country.
After retiring from the military, Percell furthered his education by attending Augusta State University
in 1989. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Earning
this degree, afforded him the opportunity to obtain a position as a Title I Parent Facilitator for the
Richmond County School System. He worked diligently in this position for ten years before retiring
in 2005. Soon after, he began volunteering his time and service to the Food Ministry, sponsored by
Trinity on the Hill.
Furthermore, Percell was a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church, and was extremely
active. He took on multiple roles and responsibilities in the churchs ministries, while continuing
to spread the word of God as an adult Sunday school teacher for several years. Deacon Percell was
truly a shining example of Gods love and compassion.
Sadly, on Thursday, March 11, 2021, Percell Obie Garvin made the transition from this life, into the
presence of God. He is survived by: his wife, Ruby Garvin; stepson, Shon King; sisters, Yvonne Cail,
and Leslie Ferguson Garvin; brother, Alfred Garvin; nieces; nephews; godchildren; and a host of
I other relatives and special friends.
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PROCESSIONAL
Clergy And Family
SCRIPTURES
Old And New Testaments
Minister Ruby Simmons
PRAYER
Minister Kathy Beans
SOLO
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Miss Kayla McCrary
REFLECTIONS
(Five Minutes, Please)
Mrs. Bernice Bogan | President of Lucy C. Laney Class of 1958
Minister Marcus Evans
Dr. Richard Lind
SOLO
To God Be The Glory
Miss Kayla McCrary
EULOGY
Reverend Marion Williams
RECESSIONAL
COMMITTAL AND BENEDICTION
MARTIN LUTHER
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Thank you for sixteen exciting, incredible, and memorable years.
The various trips that you planned for us allowed me to travel to some of the most fun-filled
and unforgettable places in the world, and for the experience, I am thankful.
Much of our time, including dates that we went on, were spent visiting numerous churches
in both Georgia and South Carolina. This helped contribute to our spiritual growth, and for
those moments, I am truly grateful.
Throughout our marriage, you showed not only loved for me, but love for God and others by
your actions. This Godly love was evident early on in our relationship, and it drew me closer
to you and to God. I appreciate the fact that you chose to live for God.
Thank you for being so generous to me, respectful, trustworthy, patient, caring and for so
many other traits that you exemplified that encouraged me to love and appreciate you even
more.
I knew early on in our relationship that there was a great possibility that you could one day
become my husband. Thanks be to God who turned that possibility into a reality. I want the
world to know the kind of husband that God blessed me with.
: I love you and I will forever cherish the life and the marriage that we shared.
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Please dont say that I gave up, just say that I gave in.
Dont say I lost this battle, for it was Gods to lose or win.
Please dont say how good I was, but that I did my best...
To give the most I could, not to do less.
Please dont give me wings or halos, thats for God to do.
I want no more than I deserve, no extra, just my due.
Please dont give flowers, or talk in harsh tones.
Dont be concerned about me now, Im well with God, Ive made it home.
Dont talk about what could have been, its over and its done.
Just see to all my familys needs, the battle has been won.
When you draw a picture of me, dont draw me as a Saint.
Ive done some good, Ive done some wrong, so use all your paint,
Not just bright and light tones, use some gray and dark.
In fact, dont put me down on canvas, paint me in your heart.
Sometimes we feel uncertain, and unsure of everything,
Afraid to make decisions, dreading what they day will bring.
We keep wishing it were possible, to dispel all fear and doubt,
And to understand more readily, just what life is all about
God has given us the answers, which too often go unheeded,
But if we search his promises, we'll find everything thats needed,
To lift our faltering spirits, and renew our courage, too,
For theres absolutely nothing, too much for God to do.
For the Lord is our salvation, and our strength in every fight,
Our redeemer and protector, our eternal guiding light.
He has promised to sustain us, Hes our refuge from all harms,
And underneath this refuge, are the everlasting arms.
So cast your burden on Him, seek His counsel when distressed,
And go to Him for comfort, when your lonely and oppressed.
For God is our encouragement, in trouble and in trials,
And in suffering and in sorrow, He will turn our tears to smiles.
The Garvin family is very appreciative for all acts of kindness. Your
strengthen us. Thank you! May God bless each of you!

support during this difficult time has truly helped to sustain and
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