Philip G. Garver
Vietnam, SP5(T), Combat Medic - Army
Philip George Garver
Philip George Garver, affectionately known as "Garv,” of Collegedale, TN, passed away on September 2, 2025, just three weeks shy of his 80th birthday, due to complications related to Agent Orange.
He was born on September 25, 1945, in Pendleton, Oregon to Gilbert Eugene Garver and Leah Ruth Wohlehagen, the day his father landed in Japan at the close of WWII. When he was seven years old, his family moved to Keene, Texas where he attended elementary school, academy, and college. While at Southwestern Junior College, he met Betty Sue Thurber, a true "Okie from Muskogee,” whom he married on July 18, 1965, when he was 19 and she was 18. A short year later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country with honor. He was ultimately sent to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.
Upon returning home, he and Betty moved to Collegedale, TN where he earned a B.S. degree at Southern Missionary College, now Southern Adventist University. Despite having severe dyslexia, he later completed a master’s at Eastern Michigan University and an Ed.D from UT Knoxville. These achievements are but one example that highlights his ability to inspire others by overcoming challenges with fortitude.
Phil began his 43-year-long teaching career at Mount Vernon Academy in Ohio. After six years, they moved back to Collegedale where he joined the faculty at Southern, a position he held for 37 years. He also served as chair and dean of the Physical Education Department for 26 of those years.
His ability and love of work was something he was proud of his entire life. He liked to say, "My hobby is working and making money.” Whether building a deck or refinishing a gym floor, he was never idle. But in addition to working, he loved to travel and take mission trips, visiting such places as Africa, Cambodia, Brazil, England, and many countries in Europe.
He was also a tireless visionary who was not afraid to dream big. He masterminded, developed, and conducted fundraising for such projects as the Hulsey Wellness Center, Collegedale Veterans Memorial Park, and the life-size monument going in front of Hulsey Wellness Center.
But undoubtedly the most important part of his life and the thing of which he was most proud was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who doted on his kids and grandkids and spent endless hours being involved in their lives.
Phil touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing him. His selflessness, warmth, and generous spirit will be remembered forever as he leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion.
He is survived by his wife Betty, son Steve and his wife Laura, daughter Leah, granddaughters Alicia, Brooklyn, and Madison, brothers Richard and Glen Garver, sister Gerita Garver Liebelt, and bonus granddaughters Alexis and Alanna and great granddaughter Amelia.
Phil’s Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church. The family will receive friends 2:00 – 3:00 PM prior to the service.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.
