Mr. Vessal Garris Jr.

Obituary For Mr. Vessal Garris Jr.

Vessal Garris Jr., known to family and friends as “Joe”, was born May 3, 1945 in Wadesboro, North Carolina to the late, Vessal Garris Sr. and Louise Sellers. He peacefully transitioned home on Friday July 8, 2022, with his beloved fiancé, Lorine Burch by his side.

Vessal attended and graduated from J.R Faison School, Class of 1963. His love of sports gave him the opportunity of playing Football for the J.R Faison Bulls. He was fast on his feet and quick to land a touchdown; he was considered a valuable player on the team and was awarded many trophies for sportsmanship.

Vessal never met a stranger; he showed love to everyone he met. And, if you knew Vessal, you know he was a sharp dresser. When he stepped outside his home, he made sure he had a crease in those jeans and the tennis shoes were pure white, he will be missed but never forgotten.

Vessal accepted Christ at an early age and joined East Rock Ford Baptist Church and later through the years, he joined and became an active member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

Vessal Garris Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Vessal Garris Sr. and Louise Taylor Sellers; his brothers: Lee Thomas Garris, Sylvester Garris, Haywood Garris, Ricky Garris, Wille Garis, Jerry Garis; and his sisters: May Helen Garris, Janice Garris, Helen Jean Garris, and Louise Garris.

He leaves to cherish the memories of his laughter and smiles to his loving fiancé, Lorine Burch of 15 years, Son, Stephone Garris-Polkton, NC, Daughter, Nicole Tressal Johnson-Concord, NC, Brother, Charles Garris-Wadesboro, NC, Sisters, Ernestine Richardson (James Richardson)-Wadesboro, NC, Argie Garris-Wadesboro, NC, Michelle Garris Sakpedeh (Floyd Sakpedeh)-Indian Trail, NC and Javonda Garris-Wadesboro, NC, (3) Grandchildren, Nicholas Chaz Ellerbe-Wadesboro, NC, Summer Latrice Johnson-Concord, NC, Gavin Lamont Johnson-Concord, NC, (5) Step Children, Joshia Burch-GA, Antonio Burch (Shonna Burchell)-Wadesboro, NC, Mario Burch (Carolyn Burchell)-Wadesboro, NC, Nicole Broadway (Cory Broadway)-Aquadale, NC, Nicholas Burch (Carol Leak)-Wadesboro, NC, (6) Step Grandchildren, Roderick Burch, Jordan Burch, Nicholas Burch Jr., Tyriona Burch, JaMarian Broadway, Jamir Broadway, and many loving cousins and friends.

Vessal will be greatly missed, his spirit, laughter, and smile lit up the lives of all who knew him, he touched each and every one of use in a special way.

The Homegoing Services will be on Saturday, July 16, 2022, 1:00pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

Interment will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Monroe, NC.

The Garris Family will greet family and friends on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 12:30-1:00pm at Smith’s Memorial Chapel.

The public viewing will be on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 3:15-6:00pm at Smith’s Memorial Chapel.