Garrie Baird Kitchen, a resident of Bent Tree Community in Jasper, Georgia, passed away after a long illness, on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

Born on December 2, 1936 in Caro, Michigan, he was the son of the late Wilfred Kitchen and Marjorie Baird Kitchen. Garrie had one sister, Cherri. He was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter Jill Kitchen Conable.

The love he had will be carried on through his wife of 56 years, Janet Kitchen; and his son and daughters and their families. Julie and Roger Miller of Dublin, Georgia, Sharon and Robert Shafer of Kennesaw, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Lori Kitchen of Roswell, Georgia; grandchildren, Justin Miller, Kendell Miller, Whitney Miller, Zachary Campbell, Taylor Kitchen, Morgan Kitchen, Preston Conable, Avery Conable, Laine Conable. Sister and Brother-in-law, Cherri and Jim Hawkins of Cleveland, Tennessee. Several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Garrie graduated from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance (in his Freshman year he met Janet, the love of his live). Prior to college, Garrie served proudly on an aircraft carrier in the United States Navy. He was a true patriot. He made sure that there was a flag pole with the American flag flying high at every home they lived in. He even had a flag flying on his red Jeep.

Garrie started his career in Miami, FL working for General Electric Credit Corporation. The Kitchen’s moved thought out the South East several times between 1962 and 1975, finally landing in East Cobb County. In 2000, he retired while working for Chrysler First. Janet retired the same year, from her teaching job, and they moved to Bent Tree. Here he enjoyed the mountains, golf, community activities and traveling.

Any one that knew him enjoyed his quick-witted humor and practical jokes. It was easy to see his love of life and family in his smile and sparkling blue eyes.

A visitation will be held from 6pm -8pm, Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Roper Funeral Home in Jasper, GA. The celebration of Garrie’s life and legacy will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2017 at Our Lady of the Mountains Roman Catholic Church with Father Charles Byrd officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will be at Georgia National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 6, 2017, in Canton, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Georgia Mountain Hospice as they have been such a resource and support to both Garrie and his family.

Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home & Crematory in Jasper, Georgia.

Online condolences can be made at www.roperfuneralhome.com.