John McCormick Garris, 73, of Newberry died Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Born on September 7, 1948 in Columbia, SC he was a son of the late Beulah McCormick and Julius Parker Garris, Sr. He was a member of St. James Lutheran church and an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a Master Mason and member of the Lexington and Brevard Lodges. Family and faith were most important in John's life. He loved the Lord and sought to instill his beliefs in his children. Later in life, he found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren, developing considerably more patience with them in his role as "Da". A diehard fan of Gamecock football, he and son Rick enjoyed going to many home games together. John also had a deep passion for woodworking, and throughout his life made numerous pieces for people he cared about. In his professional life as a District Manager with Defender Services, John was a man of high standards for his team and believed in delivering excellence for his contract customers. He was always willing to role up his sleeves and show a new team member how to complete even menial tasks "the right way", and they respected and admired him for his leadership. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cynthia Long Garris; son, Richard "Rick" McCormick Garris (Brandi) of Newberry, SC; daughter, Tina Garris of Lexington, and stepdaughter, Joy Guffey (Joey) of Brevard, NC; grandchildren, Emily, Jacob, and Isaac Stamey, Alyssa and Jackson Garris, and Tyler and Trevor Garris; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, John McCormick "Johnny Mac" Garris, Jr., grandson, Travis Garris; and brothers, Julius P. Garris, Jr. and Joseph T. Garris. Graveside services will be conducted by the Rev. Rodney Gunter at 11 AM Thursday, December 16, 2021 at St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery. Military honors and Masonic rites will be rendered. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorials are suggested to St. James Lutheran Church Veteran Memorial Fund. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.