Dr. Floyd "Doc" Ralph Garrett Jr.'s Obituary
Dr. Floyd Garrett was born March 27, 1938, in Dallas, Texas. In 1952, during his high school days at Highland Park High School, he became the youngest Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout at the age of 13. Upon his graduation from Highland Park High School in 1955, he attended North Texas State University in Denton, TX. After only one year he became restless and signed on to the Tommy Bartlett Water Ski Show in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. He stayed with the Professional Ski Show from 1956 to 1960, when he entered the University of Minnesota and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1963 at which time he applied for and was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1967.
He was then drafted into the United States (US) Army and was sent to Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He was discharged in 1971 and returned stateside with the rank of Captain. When he returned from Vietnam, the U.S. Army sent him back to University of Minnesota where he earned a Master’s Degree in 1971. He then prepared a Master’s Thesis which was accepted in 1981, resulting in a Master’s Degree in Public Health.
At this time, he was recruited by the USDA as an Enforcement Officer in Animal Health. He was assigned to the New Orleans International Airport and the Port of New Orleans, where he was in charge of all quarantined animals coming into the U.S. from other countries. His duties included all birds and other animals that came by air or via ship. It was here that he also went through the State of Louisiana Police Academy and became certified as a state police officer.
In 1977, he left the USDA and moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. He started his Veterinary Medicine private practice by purchasing the Flour Bluff Animal Hospital and later Island Animal Clinic in Port Aransas. While in private practice, he attended the Sheriff’s Academy and became certified as a Texas Peace Officer. As a Deputy for Precinct 4 in Nueces County, Dr. Garrett was in possession of three (3) different K-9’s active in the drug intervention program. Also, during this time frame, he became the first Veterinarian for the Texas State Aquarium, from 1983 to 1988. Doc was also an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), teaching Marine Science and Fish Medicine.
Dr. Garrett was a pioneer in his veterinary field. He initiated weekend low-cost vaccination clinics in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christi under the name Mobile Pet Care Clinic of Texas providing good low-cost veterinary care for pets. In 2001, Doc sold his two hospitals and became semi-retired, doing relief work for local veterinarians. He also was the Corpus Christi and Harlingen Greyhound Race Track Veterinarian until they both closed in 1985.
In 1995, he attended the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Academy and became one of the first DPS Firearms Instructors. He conducted these license-to-carry handgun classes until his passing on January 14, 2024 at his home in Taft, Texas. He will be missed by his family and the numerous friends and associates he met along the way in his numerous endeavors.
Doc is survived by his wife of 34 years, Beverly; three children, Floyd Garrett III (Sheri), Gaylene Jensen, Glenda Swierc (Gerald); and three grandchildren, Shantel Swierc, and Amanda and Eric Garrett. Burial service for Dr. Garrett was held at Restland in Dallas on February 1, 2024. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is scheduled for 11am on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 4545 Wildcat Drive in Portland, TX.
What’s your fondest memory of Floyd "Doc"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Floyd "Doc"?
Share a story where Floyd "Doc"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Floyd "Doc" you’ll never forget.
How did Floyd "Doc" make you smile?
