By By Robert Weaver, Contributing Writer
Name: John Garrard
Age: 76
Residence: Atmore, but originally from Flora, Miss.
Occupation: Mr. Garrard is a retired C.E.O. of First National Bank where he worked for over 50 years. Although he is retired, he still has a close relationship with the bank. Garrard is also a city councilman, representing district 4.
Hobbies: Mr. Garrard collects depression glass, Blue Willow Chinaware, and old Life magazines. He is a member of the YMCA's Men in Action Prison Ministry and he teaches Bible classes in Faith and Honor at Fountain Correctional Center. While at Fountain he works with his "brothers" in dorm 7. That dorm serves as home to 196 men.
What is the best part of your job? While working with First National Bank, Garrard took pride in helping people, he said. Garrard's city council position is also very dear to his heart: he feels he owes a "civic debt" to the people of his district and all of Atmore.
What is the worst part of your job? With the city, Garrard said that a "lack of adequate funds" prevents him from totally fulfilling his job.
Family: Garrard has been married to his wife, Fonda, for 56 years. They have two children, Mike and David, and two grandchildren, Kelly and Lori.
Music: Garrard enjoys music from the "Big Band" era: Glen Miller (his favorite), Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James and Elvis Presley.
Religion: Methodist. Garrard is celebrating his 53rd year as a member of First United Methodist Church of Atmore today.
Education: Graduate of Milsaps College. Garrard added that the best four years of his life occurred while he was on the faculty at Escambia County High School (1949-1953). Professor Hodnette and Johnny Jones Sr. were two people Garrard considers top-notch mentor material.