Tommy Watt Garland affectionally known as Tom, was born July 4, 1949.  He was the eight of nine children born to Samuel H. Garland and Lou Ella Smith Garland.  Tom graduated from Alamance High School in Graham, North Carolina.

Tom met and married the love of his life, Sadie J. Scales.  To this union was born three children.  He was a great sports fan, especially the Atlanta Braves.  He enjoyed travelling, building furniture, and gardening.  Friends and family looked forward to his Memorial Day cookout traveling from several states to enjoy the activities.  He was famous for his fried chicken and his delicious fried squash, fried cornbread, and don't forget his fatback, the meal that on one could duplicate.  He was also an excellent photographer.  If you needed pictures done for a wedding, graduation, family photos, reunions, or other activities you could always count on Tom to get the job done.

Tom was employed as a professional truck driver, driving for many trucking companies.  His career expanded over 40 years and retired from Estes trucking Company with over 25 years of service.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Mae Corbett, Beatrice Sellars, Martha Holt, and Dorothy Glass.

He leaves to cherish precious memories to three children, Tawana Garland, Tremayne Garland (Tonya), and Tristan Alston; three brothers, Samuel H. Garland, Jr. (Delores), Joe Garland (Rosemarie), and Sylvester Garland all of Greensboro, NC; one sister, Alice Pollock (John) of Laurelton, NY; five grandchildren, Tremayne, Ariance, Kyndal, Brielle, and Ariance Lee; one great grandchild, Kamora; four sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel, 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm. A homegoing celebration will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at the Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel.  Visitation with the family begins at 11:30 am followed by the service at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park.

Masks are required.