Garland Earl Paschal

Garland Earl Paschal passed away on October 5, 2024, surrounded by loved ones and caregivers in his home in Reidsville, North Carolina. Born on February 18, 1939, in Rockingham County, North Carolina, the son of Lee Andrew Paschal (deceased) and Kathleen Virginia Allen Paschal (deceased). 

Garland married Geneva Cobb Paschal (deceased) in 1964, and they were married for 59 years. They had three daughters; Renea Paschal Myers, married to Dan Myers, and Tracey Paschal Anderson, married to Rick Anderson and Jennifer Paschal Rash, married to Robbie Rash. He was a loving grandfather to four grandchildren: Katie Rash, Nick Myers, Andrew Rash and Meredith Anderson. Garland was one of three brothers, Kenneth Paschal (deceased) and JD Paschal, both of Reidsville. 

Garland graduated from Reidsville High School in 1957. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and English from Elon College and his Master of Education from the University of NC at Greensboro. Additionally, Garland completed graduate studies in Curriculum Supervision at NC A&T State University as well as Teacher and Administrative Certifications from the State of NC. 

Garland’s long career in education included serving as Teacher and Principal of Williamsburg Elementary School, Director of Elementary Education and Curriculum for Reidsville City Schools Chapter One/Migrant Education, Director of Middle Schools and Chapter One for Rockingham County Schools, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent/Director Special Projects for Rockingham County Schools, Teacher & Administrator for Alternative School/Rockingham County Youth Involvement Program, and part-time teacher for the G.E.D/A.B.E program in Rockingham County. Garland was recognized many times for his achievements in education. He was especially honored to be named Reidsville City School’s Principal of the Year (1988) and the recipient of Reidsville City School’s Margaret McNamara RIF Award (1992).

In addition to his membership in an array of professional education organizations, Garland had a strong commitment to civic activities in his community. His involvement included leadership roles in the Rockingham County Planning Committee for Elderly & Disabled, Youth Involvement, Heart Association, United Way, Rockingham County Heritage Festival, Rockingham County Community College Foundation, Head Start Policy Council, 4-H Club, Boy Scouts, Elon College Alumni Association, Lion’s Club and Ruritan Club. Among his civic honors, Garland was recognized as the Outstanding New 4-H Leader (1996) and Rockingham County Volunteer of the Month (2017). 

Garland’s greatest loves in life were God, family, friends, good food, good fun and Smith Mountain Lake (his happy place). Garland was a firm believer in the Christian faith. He faithfully attended Bush Arbor & Lick Fork Primitive Baptist Churches, the churches of his heritage. His religious and family roots were very important to him. He felt that integrity was the greatest value one could possess. He loved people and pets passionately. Garland also had a special place in his heart for the care of children and the elderly. He enjoyed reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles and scrapbooking. He loved writing poetry and was very proud of his participation in the Rockingham County Silver Arts Poetry/Essay contest, having received six first place and one second place poetry awards over the years. One of his poems was published in Poets of the Heartland in 2015. 

Garland’s family extends a special appreciation to his loving caregivers: Sheila Gwynn, Twila Whitley, Cindy Butler and Wilma Coffey. 

A visitation will be held in Garland’s honor at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Reidsville on Monday, October 7th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 8th, at 11:00 a.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at Bush Arbor Church Cemetery in Yanceyville, NC. Arrangements are being handled by Wilkerson Funeral Home in Reidsville, NC. The family is receiving guests at Garland’s home Sunday 2:00-7:00 p.m. and Monday 1:00-4:00 p.m. The home address is 1477 NC Hwy. 150 in Reidsville.