Elbert Stephens Garren Jr. went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

A native of Monroe County, he was a son of the late Elbert Stephen and Esther Neva Steele Garren, and was preceded in death by one sister, Wanda Sue Garren; and three brothers, Billy Garren, Wesley Garren, and Glenn Garren. He was of the Baptist faith and was a heavy equipment operator.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Faye Monroe Garren of Athens; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Ed McKeehan and Brenda and Randy Bunch, all of Athens; two grandchildren, Heather McKeehan and Cody Bunch; two sisters, Elsie Lee Wilburn and Louise Abernathy, both of Madisonville; two brothers and three sisters-in-law, Joe and Betty Garren of Riceville, Austin Garren of Knoxville, Betty Albert of Riceville, and Jane Garren of Athens; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were 3 p.m. Wednesday at Clearwater Cemetery with the Rev. Scotty Bales officiating.

Pallbearers were Steve Garren, Billy Joe Garren, Richard Monroe, James Hennessee, Ronnie Albert, Steve Ratledge, and William Cooper.

There was no formal visitation.