Deacon Raymond L. Garvin was born January 17, 1943. He was called to his heavenly home after an extended illness on May 31, 2025. Deacon Garvin was born to the late Florence Footman-Garvin and Deacon Adam Garvin. He was raised with his parents in Saint George, South Carolina, until adulthood.

Deacon Garvin attended public schools in Dorchester County, South Carolina, and attended Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. He married his high school sweetheart, Earnestine Tracy, and through this loving union they were blessed with seven beautiful children; Bernard Garvin (Anita), Laverne Garvin both of Saint George, SC, Mitchell Garvin of Orangeburg, SC, Tracy Garvin of Goose Creek, SC, Keith Garvin (Antoinette) Fairfield, CA, Rudolph Garvin and Randolph Garvin both of Denmark, SC. Deacon Garvin and his family lived in Denmark, South Carolina, for several years, where he worked and learned many trades.

He became a Deacon in 1973 under the ministry of Pastor Nathaniel McNeal in Denmark, SC. After some years, he and his family relocated to Saint George, South Carolina. He still attended Capernaum Baptist Church, where he served on the deacon board, male chorus, and as treasurer for many years.

In 1974, he was employed by Gifford Hill Cement Plant, later renamed Lafarge, where he retired after 33+ years. He worked as a lab technician and a heavy equipment operator. He loved carpentry, music, politics, voter registration, working with the DADS Program, working with the NAACP, and most of all, he loved working with the church. He traveled regularly to various functions.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sisters (Mary, Martha, Helen, Mahala, Flora, and RoDella); brothers (Johnny, McCrae, Louis, Ardo, Neo, Adam Jr., Ullyses, and McKelvie).

He is survived by his brother, Albert Garvin, and sister Fannie Garvin, his seven children and spouses, 11 grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.