Garvie Locklear

Garvie Locklear, also fondly known as "Bo" and "Papa," a beloved father, grandfather, husband, cousin and friend, passed away at the age of 93 on March 21, 2025, at his home in Pembroke, NC. Although we are heartbroken and will miss him deeply, he is now reunited in peace with his loved ones who passed before him.

Born on October 30, 1931, in Pembroke, North Carolina, Garvie lived a long and fulfilling life marked by kindness, hard work, and a deep devotion to his family and the Lumbee community. He moved to Detroit, Michigan, as a young man in search of work. There, he met and married Miss Ruth Lietzow, and together they built a family. Garvie proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, including time spent in Europe, and was a lifelong patriot who always wore his Korean War veteran cap.

Throughout his life, Garvie was a devout member of the Baptist church, regularly attending services and volunteering. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he found great joy in serving others through his church community.

Garvie spent his career as a millwright/welder, a profession he devoted many years to, while also raising his children—Gary, Debbie, Mark, and Charlotte—in Warren and Howell, Michigan, on a farm. He loved the outdoors and farming, tending to his large garden and canning vegetables and fruits with Ruth, chopping wood, tinkering in his garage, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, and was an avid fan of Detroit Tigers baseball, a pastime he cherished throughout his life.

He and Ruth were married for 38 years when she passed away in 1989. Poignantly, Garvie met her in Heaven on the date of their wedding anniversary, March 21st. After the tragic loss of his son Mark (1998), Garvie returned to North Carolina and married the beautiful Ethel Jacobs. For 25 years, they lived life together traveling the country and fishing off the pier in North Myrtle Beach. Ethel’s passing last summer left Garvie bereft, but his caring nature and dedication to his family and community never wavered. He was a saint to many, always taking care of his spouse, children, siblings, including dear brother Bill, cousins, and friends.

Garvie was known for his warmth, laughter, and his ability to bring light to any room. His strong values and gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience.

He is survived by his daughter Charlotte Locklear, her son Koen Charles Locklear; grandson Thomas Walker III, his wife Lisa, and son TJ; granddaughter Melissa and her children Jennifer and Kody (great-great granddaughter Saphira); granddaughter Stacey Locklear and Vanessa Lyons, her husband Mike, and son Blake; as well as stepdaughters Kimberly Jacobs and Tammy Cummings, her husband Dwayne, and their children, Cassie, Dylan, and Taelyn.

A celebration of Garvie’s life will be held at Thompson’s Funeral Home in Pembroke on Tuesday, March 25th, visitation 2-3 followed by a service from 3-4.

A funeral service will also be held in Howell, Michigan, at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, with details forthcoming. Garvie will be laid to rest next to Ruth in Howell, and near his dear son Mark.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in honor of Garvie’s memory.

Garvie lived a life of quiet strength, deep love, and selfless devotion. His presence will be forever missed and never forgotten.

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