William Ray Garland

William Ray Garland, affectionately known by many as “Mater Head,” age 76, a resident of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

He was born on May 20, 1948, in Lawrence County, Tennessee and was the son of the late George Lasson Garland and the late Lillie Beatrice Self Garland. He was raised in the Center Community and was of the Southern Baptist faith. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, swimming, and logging. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind his wife, Deborah Jenell Staggs Garland, children, Adam Ray Garland of East Tennessee, Crystal (Robert) Lovett of Lawrenceburg, TN, April (Kyle Risner) Garland of Lawrenceburg, TN, grandchildren, Danielle (Jagger Canada) Lovett, Hannah Jones, William Lovett, Hunter Sells, Dalton (Maddison Warren) Lovett, Anna-Leigh Garland, great grandchildren, Brileigh Bell Jones, Laiklynn Grace Jones, Eli Robert Estes, Zayleigh Kay Stanton, Kolter Canada, Sutton Stanton. He is also survived by his brother, Howard (Glenda) Garland, and sisters in law, Sudie Garland and Shirley Garland.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, J.W. Garland, James Garland, Charles Garland, and his only sister, Lucille Garland Gray.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.