Reginald Garrett was born September 19, 1949 in Longview, Texas. He was embraced with love into the family of David L Garrett and Callie James Garrett along with his brother and two sisters.

Reginald was introduced to the importance of church and learning at an early age. He was a baptized at St. Mark CME Church and participated in various activities. He attended Southside Elementary School and Maggie B. Hudson Jr. High. and was a 1967 graduate of Mary C.Womack High School. His leadership abilities were readily recognized and he was always asked to sing, lead actor in school plays, star football player and a member of the marching band. Under the guidance of his mother, he pursued dreams to further his education. Reginald matriculated to Prairie View A&M College (now Prairie View A&M University) where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Economics. Always standing out as a leader, he became president of the freshman Class. In 1970 Prairie View College was given a charter for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Reginald was elected the first Polemarch of Eta Beta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.

In 1976 he moved to Houston, Texas and joined Metropolitan CME Church under the leadership of Dr. R.Theo Cunningham, his father in the Ministry. He was active in the church activities, but something was tugging at his heart to go further than just church membership. After carefully praying about his Christian walk, he decided to talk to his mentor and Dr. Cunningham took him under his leadership and developed a young "preacher". He was licensed to preach under Dr. R.R. Northcutt, Presiding Elder of the Houston District. In July 1977, Reginald Garrett was ordained into full connection as an Elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under Bishop C. D. Coleman. He went right to work as a Youth & Young Adult Minister. Rev. Garrett received his first Pastoral assignment in Austin, Texas at Trinity CME Church. He was later assigned to Holsey Temple, and Sheeler Memorial C M E Church in Houston.

Rev. Garrett while in Houston, received his Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Mt. Hope College and Theological Seminary. In 1992 completed his degree from Commonwealth College of Funeral Science and became a Licensed Funeral Director. In 1986, Rev. Garrett was transferred to Tyler, Texas as Senior Pastor of St. James CME Church. There, his accomplishments were numerous, increased membership, completed a 25 year mortgage in 15 years, developed outreach programs, after school program and of course New Days Ministries were born.

On August 18, 2002 Rev. Garrett became the founding pastor and senior servant at New Days Community Church. His leadership moved his congregation from the chapel at the funeral home to one of the most sought after locations in the city. He has been honored many times for his work and his vision. Dedicated to serving others and passionate about his ministry Rev. Garrett made Church and Community a priority in his life. He was always called to serve. His ministry spans over 50 years.

In addition to serving in the Pastoral Ministry Reginald, worked for Ford Motor Corporation, Auditor at ARCO Oil & Gas, Budget Director UT Health Center, and Community Relations Manager Trinity Mother Francis Health System.

He served on several boards across the city, including PATH, Hospice of East Texas, Red Cross, East Texas Communities Foundation and the ½ cents sales tax committee. He was also appointed by Governor Ann Richards to serve on the Texas Board on Aging. Rev.Garrett was a 3 time elected City Council Member District 3 Tyler and served as Mayor ProTem.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David L. Garrett and Callie Garrett, brother David Garrett II, son Kevin Gene Garrett and granddaughter Lady Lomax.

He leaves a loving and devoted wife, Loreita Anthony Garrett. Continuing his legacy are sons Reginald Garrett II (Carla), Brian Anthony Garrett, Sr. (Talonda) and daughter Regina Lomax. Sisters, Clemogene Garrett Wilson (Curtis), and Hattie Garrett Newhouse (Lucious), Sister in law, Alberta Garrett. He also leaves 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, many nieces nephews, cousins, great relationships and life long friends.

Rev. Garrett believed that the only boundaries we have are the ones we place on ourselves