William H. "Bill" Garten, Jr., of South Charleston, passed to his reward on February 21, 2021 at Hospice House at CAMC, as a result of a stroke.

He was born in Charleston on April 12, 1930 to the late William H. and Anna Pauline Garten.

Bill graduated from Charleston Catholic High School as a proud member of the 'Class of '48'. He attended Xavier University, in Cincinnati, OH, for two years on a scholarship gifted by his high school baseball coach. In 1970, Bill graduated form Morris Harvey College, now University of Charleston. He retuned to complete his degree after a 25 year break, during which he married Margaret "Peggy" Lang and had five children.

He was a sales manager for several companies in Columbus and Marietta, OH before joining Joe Holland Chevrolet of South Charleston, in 1968. In 1979, Bill, Peggy and their daughter Peachy moved to Baton Rouge, LA, where he went to work for Polk Chevrolet. In 1988, he and Peggy returned to West Virginia where Bill became a truck fleet manager for Bert Wolfe Ford until he retired in 2001.

After his retirement at age 70, Bill found a passion in volunteer teaching AARP Driver Safety Training Courses for 11 years. During that time, his life was incredibly blessed through friendships with George Tucker, Ted Boggess and Tom Wills.

Bill was a person who never met a stranger. Within minutes of meeting someone, he would uncover a connection with that person. This ability to easily bond with people allowed him to develop relationships that helped sustain him through difficult times. Remaining positive and allowing life's curveballs to be opportunities to grow and learn was a trait that characterized Bill's entire life and was a positive example to all who knew him.

As a result of his father leading the Big Band era, Bill Garten Orchestra during the 30's and 40's, Bill enjoyed a love for jazz music. He shared this passion for music with his son, grandson, and with many friends. Bill was a life-long learner who was always interested in learning something new. His enthusiasm for LSU, WVU, and Notre Dame football was an additional passion shared with many family members and friends. Bill thrived on planning the next reunion for "The Class of '48", attending after mass gatherings of the "Over the Hill Gang" from Blessed Sacrament Church, dinners and football games with his special Heart Fit friends, and regular get-togethers with "The Fab Five" of Woodland Avenue.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret F. Garten in 2009 ; daughters, Mary Catherine (Mary Cai) in 2017 , and Rebecca A. (Peachy) in 2007 ; and brother, Patrick E. Garten.

Bill is survived by his son, Christopher A. Garten of Marietta, OH; daughters, Carol J. Long of St. Albans and Patty K. Bowles (Randy) of Southbury, CT; grandchildren, Philip S. Bowles of Southbury, CT and Laura Bowles Diana (Chris) of Fairfield, CT; brother, John D. Garten of Orlando, FL; and sister, Laura A. Wiersteiner of Charleston.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to "The Fab Five" and spouses of Woodlawn Ave., Rob and Gary Burdette; Jr.,Barbara and Aaron Wilson; Kenny and Theresa Bolar; and Bob and Maureen Hevley who made his last years in his own home possible with their continual support and friendship.  Also, a special thanks to Bill's numerous Heart Fit friends, including, Susan Poindexter, Tom Nolley and Bill Mearns.

**A memorial mass will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, at Blessed Sacrament Church, South Charleston. Inurnment will follow in the columbarium, next to the sanctuary with his wife Peggy's ashes.** The memorial service has been cancelled at this time due to the increase in Covid-19 infections.

The family will greet guests an hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Blessed Sacrament Bereavement Committee, PO Box 18427, 305 E Street, South Charleston, WV 25303, or Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd, Charleston, WV 25387-2536

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.