Linda Garab

Linda Garab, age 72, passed away peacefully on December 10^th, 2022 at her home in Lake Asbury, Florida with her husband, children and favorite son-in-law by her side.  Linda was born in June of 1950 in Buchanan, Georgia to Anderson “Red” White and Ruby Pettit and later moved to Jacksonville, Florida where she raised her three children, David, Jimmy and Gina. Linda was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family with all of her heart and taught her children to always say “I love you,” because you never know if it’s the last time you’ll see that person. 

Linda provided for her family by working on a production line at the Metal Container Division of Anheuser Busch.  In 1974 and at 24 years old, she began her career in a male dominated work environment, but quickly established herself as an equal and a force to be reckoned with.  She had a very strong work ethic and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, which earned her the respect of her peers.  Linda had no problem keeping all those men in line and ultimately became lifelong friends with many of them.  Linda was a very active and proud member of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 8461.  She served as an Executive Board Member and represented her fellow members well as a Job Steward.  Linda left a wonderful legacy and it’s a wonder they didn’t name the building after her when she retired in 2005. 

In 2004, Linda married her soulmate and best friend, Reese who she affectionately called “Big Guy.”  They moved to their beautiful retreat in Lake Asbury the following year where Linda added her personal touches and used her green thumb to fill the property with gorgeous plants and flowers, many of which she rescued from family and friends.  After her retirement, she and Reese made wonderful memories together traveling across the United States showing “a real race car” for Dale Earnhart, Inc.  Linda and Reese adored one another and loved doing life together!

Linda is survived by husband, Reese Garab; children, David Rios (Lica), Jimmy Rios and Gina Cummings (Chad); grandchildren, Chris Rios, Tracie Flemmons (Jeremy), Savannah Morgan (Kyle), Cody Cummings (Kaitlyn), Abby Cummings, Harley Rios and Kyros Rios; great-granddaughters, Jacie Lloyd and Adalyn Rios; sisters, Sandra Macy (Mike) and Joyce Ingram (Moe); brother, Jerry White (Paulette) and many, many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Anderson “Red” White and Ruby Bishop; and sisters, Patricia Clayton, Sara Timms and Mary Nunis.

The family will receive friends at 2:00pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel and funeral services will begin at 3:00pm with Senior Pastor Lawrence McGinley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Haven Hospice, www.beyourhaven.org/donate.