Garnett Rather

Garnett Taylor Rather, age 89 of Gulfport, passed away Monday, March 8, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Agee and Fairy Belle Young Rather; his brothers, Nick Rather, Doug Rather, and Phillip Rather; and his sister, Peggy Jean Dillon.
Mr. Rather is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Peggy Holley Rather of Gulfport, MS; his daughter, Holly Rather (Jim) Ray; his grandson, James Nicholas Ray and his fiancé, Lauren Rackley; his nephews, Nick (Jackie) Rather, Jr., Billi (Sandra) Rather, Eric (Trish) Rather, Mike (Judy) Jones, and Jeff Rather; and his niece, Cherry Rather Cole.
Garnett graduated from East High School in 1950 where he played varsity basketball and football. After graduating, he played varsity football at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. He later served two years in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Rather was the owner and CEO of Rebel Steel, Inc, a steel service center that he founded in 1980 in Lavergne, TN. He received many awards and plaques for being an outstanding service center. He was dearly loved by his employees and friends for his kindness and generosity.
Garnett and Peggy loved to travel and visited many countries, having visited all continents. Many trips included the whole family. He played tennis and loved attending Tennessee Titans football games. He attended St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport and previously attended St. Ignatius of Antioch, TN. He generously supported many charities and individuals in need of help.
One of his many pleasures in life was watching his grandson, Nick Ray, play baseball at Gulfport High School, Jones County Community College and Campbell University, which included many fun road trips with the family.
A graveside service will take place at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 25, 2021 at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Seashore Highlands and Southern Care Hospice.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, served the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association or the Ladies of Charity in Nashville, TN.