Garland Ponder McCoig

Garland P. McCoig, Age 92, of Dandridge, Tennessee, passed away with his family by his side on Monday, July 11, 2022.  He fought a hard battle with his health after being preceded in death by the love of his life and life-long companion for 72 years, Lois Franklin McCoig.  They enjoyed a long inseparable life together with their family.

He was also preceded in death by his father, Marshall McCoig and mother, Myrtle Strange McCoig, and his much-loved grandson, Derrick McCoig.  Sister, Marjorie (Bob) Martin, and brothers, Taylor (Maxine) McCoig, Clark (Barbara Jo) McCoig, and Tom White; special aunt, Ruth Franklin.

He is survived by his son, G.W. “Bud” (Joan) McCoig, daughter, Brenda (David) Holland. Grandchildren, Julie (JayJay) Allen, John Holland, Martina Holland, Luke (Kristin) Holland, and Kelly (John) Wilson.  Great grandchildren Chandler, Joshua and Fayth Holland, Tripp Allen, Tori Hill, and Ty Wilson; sister, Helen Faye White. 

Garland was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Swann’s Chapel Baptist Church for many years.  He served as a deacon, Sunday School leader, and bus driver throughout the years.

Garland and his wife, Lois, were dedicated to caring for and raising their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Garland was dedicated to serving his community his entire life.  He was a little league baseball coach for numerous years. He was an active volunteer driver and supporter of the 1966 Maury High School Girls’ Championship Basketball team. He helped organize and was a charter member of the Jefferson County Rescue Squad beginning in 1963 as well as build the current squad building.  He served as captain for many years in the Jefferson County Rescue Squad. He was an active member of the Dandridge Volunteer Fire Department since 1952 and was chief for over 50 years.   He was a Jefferson County constable, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy, and Dandridge City Police Officer. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Local Lodge 61. He retired from U.S. Steele where he served as maintenance supervisor for over 30 years. He was forced to retire when he was injured after saving two women from drowning in flood waters on Dumplin Loop Road.  He was recognized as the 2013 hometown hero for Jefferson County. He was 1996 Jefferson Countian of the Year.  

He will be greatly missed by all. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 14^th, at the First Baptist Church in Dandridge from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. The burial will immediately follow with a procession to Grants Chapel Cemetery with Dr. Bob Brown and Rev. Wayne McKinney officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grants Chapel Cemetery Fund c/o Robin Bush, P.O. Box 625, Jefferson City, TN 37760. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home, Dandridge, TN. The grandchildren and great grandchildren will be pallbearers, Chandler Holland, Joshua Holland, John Holland, Luke Holland, Tripp Allen, Ty Wilson, Fayth Holland, Kelley Wilson, Tori Hill and Julie Allen; and special friends, Danny Case and Mark McCurry.

The family requests that masks are recommended and adhere to social distancing during the visitation and funeral at the church.