LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Jerry Allen Garris, 80 passed away April 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. Jerry was born July 4, 1943, in Lancaster to Julius R. Garris and Annie Belle Stroud Garris.  After graduating from Lancaster High School in 1961, he was a photographer for Lavoy Studio and a Jeweler for Darden's Jewelers.  He and his wife, Mary Lee, purchased Darden's Jewelers and changed the name to Garris Jewelers. Jerry was a faithful Mason for 57 years having served in many positions. He received the Albert Gallatin Mackey award, which is the highest honor one can receive in the Masonic Order.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Garris of 60 years; son Larry Garris; daughter Emily Garris (Patricia); two granddaughters, Lanette Towsend (Vic) and Tiffany Crawford (Adam); one great grandson, Hudson Crawford; and one brother, Pete Garris (Barbara). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Thelma Pate and daughter-in-law, Annette Garris.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Lancaster and his caregivers Ella Howard, Elaine Boone, and Victoria Starnes.

The Celebration of Life Service for Jerry will be 2:00 pm Monday, April 29, 2024, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home officiated by Rev. David Inman. The burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm, one hour prior to service, at Burgess Funeral Home and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 640, Columbia, SC 29210.