Garland Stewart Dever

Garland Stewart Dever, 96, of Monterey, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Golden Living Center – Shenandoah Valley in Buena Vista.

He was born May 4, 1927 in Little Egypt, the son of the late Charles Stanley and Evelyn Mary (Crummett) Dever. On September 26, 1953, he married Lillian Jean Simmons.

A 16-year-old graduate of Monterey High School, Garland went on to attend and graduate top of his class from Dunsmore Business College. He was a self-employed bookkeeper for various county businesses and individuals and tax preparer for over 60 years. He retired as the hardware manager of Rockingham Cooperative. Garland was a long-time member, elder and treasurer for Monterey Presbyterian Church and was the last charter member of the Mill Gap Ruritan Club as well as one of the original members of the Economic Authority of Highland County.

In his spare time, Garland enjoyed time spent bowling, fly fishing, traveling and singing in the church choir. Above all, he will be remembered for his kind and compassionate nature and his unconditional love for his wife and family.

In addition to his wife of 70 years, he is survived by two daughters, Gloria Yvonne Oelke and husband, Bruce of Garner, N.C and Betty Gail Hiner and husband, Jeff of Monterey; two sons, Garland “Gene” Dever and wife, Judy of Monterey and Charles Thomas “Tom” Dever and wife, Becky of Monterey; grandchildren, Audrey Denton, Tammy Oelke, Deidre Jones, Jaime Downing, Shauna Dever, Christos Dever, Monika Eckard and Vicky Dever; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; as well as a number of various nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Carolyn Hooke.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Monterey Presbyterian Church with pastor Chip Hill officiating. The family will receive friends following the service during a reception in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Monterey Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 306, Monterey, VA  24465.