Noel Eugene Garvin

Noel Eugene Garvin, 95, of Clemson, widower of Sarah Horton Garvin, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Clemson Downs, where he resided. Mr. Garvin was born in Pickens, SC and from the age of 4 to 17 grew up in Palmetto, FL before returning to South Carolina and graduating from Greenville High School. Noel was the son of Noel Ellison and Belle Yongue Garvin.  He was originally in the 1944 Class at Clemson College but his college education was put on hold for him to serve in the US Army Air Corps during WWII.

During World War II, Noel was a pilot in the Eighth Air Force and was stationed in England.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the highest honor of the Army Air Force, for bravery.

During his military service, Noel married Sarah Horton. They were married for 71 years. After the war, he returned to Clemson and graduated in 1947. He retired as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing following many years of service with Burlington Industries, which was headquartered in Greensboro, NC. He retired in 1981.

For his whole adult life, Noel was actively involved in numerous charities, including: Teen Challenge, prison ministries, and many others. 

In 2002, Noel and Sarah moved back to Clemson, where they could be seen at many Clemson University activities especially Clemson sports.  They were members of University Baptist Church. Surviving are sons, James T. (Mary) Garvin of Richmond, VA, William H. (Felomina) Garvin of Helena, MT and Walter L. Garvin of St. Petersburg, FL; grandchildren, Andrew, Charles and Kathryn Garvin and Kevin and Nathan Howenstine. Preceding him in death was his daughter, Jean Elizabeth Garvin Howenstine Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, May 23, 2016 at Old Stone Church Cemetery in Clemson. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 PM, Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central. Memorials may be made to Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge, PO Box 77914, Greensboro, NC 27417 http://gpteenchallenge.com/ Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.