Herman Clayton 'Tom Boy' Garris Jr., entered peacefully into the arms of the lord and savior at the age of 89, on Friday, November 24,2023 at Hospice of The Golden Isles. Tom Boy was born on March 15,1934 in Brunswick, GA, the son of the late Herman Clayton Garris Sr. and the late Viola Clark.

Tom Boy attended Glynn Academy where he played football, and then enlisted in the United States Army, serving four years during the 'Korean Conflict" as a Sargeant. He then enlisted in the United States Navy: See-Bee's Construction for another four years of service. He was a very brave and patriotic man who loved his country. After 8 years of service, he was honorably discharged, and went to work for The Brunswick Pulp and Paper Company where he worked for 37 years. After he retired, he and his wife Connie enjoyed a life of leisurely travel throughout the United States. Among their favorites were traveling to see the Atlanta Braves, and to Athens to see the Georgia Bulldogs play. Every year they visited the mountains of Helen to see the leaves change. For their 50th anniversary, their children gifted them a month-long trip to China.

The name 'Tom Boy'- that everyone knew him as- was a nickname given to him as a young child from a captain on a shrimp boat. He will always be Tom Boy, no one called him Herman.

Tom Boy loved fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. He loved the water at Tolomato Island in Darien. He loved to cook for everyone, especially seafood. He would fix fried fish and seafood dinners served at Connie's class reunions, Glynn Academy Class of 1952, over several reunions at their home in Tolomato. He looked forward to seeing classmates come down from all over to enjoy some good ole local seafood. Tom Boy was a member of Elks Lodge #691, American Legion (Unknown Soldier Post) in Darien, and a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory, is his wife of 66 years; Connie Lacombe Garris, three children; Tim Garris (Janet), Lee Garris (Kim), Dana Garris Butler (Ronnie), and four grandchildren; Garrett Garris, Peyton Garris, Nash Garris, and Alex Lang. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, and one brother: Edgar Ray Garris of St. Augustine, Florida.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Wednesday, November 29,2023 at 11:00 AM, at Palmetto Cemetery. Tommy Townsend will be officiating. Garrett Garris, Peyton Garris, Nash Garris, William McDonald, and John Russell Deverger will be serving as Active Pallbearers. Charlie Collins, George 'Bubba' Deverger, Jr., George Moxley, Robert 'Bruce' Lowie, Henry Allen, and Robert Earl Knight will be serving as Honorary Pallbearers.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at Hospice of The Golden Isles, Dr. David Heine, Dr. Mitchell Jones, Dr. Stephen Chitty, and child-hood friend, Elaine McDonald of Brunswick, and longtime friend of the family, Janice Andrews of Darien.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Tom Boy's honor to Hospice of The Golden Isles.