John White Garland, III

John White Garland, III, M.D., F.A.P.A., age 86, of Gainesville, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at home. 

Dr. Garland was born June 12, 1938, in Barnesville, Georgia to the late John White Garland, Jr. and Lucy Deal Garland.  He moved to Macon as a child where he completed his secondary education.  He went on to attend the University of Georgia where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 1960.  While at UGA he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Phi Eta Sigma (Academic Honor Society), Phi Sigma (National Biological Sciences Honorary), Pershing Rifles (ROTC Honor Society & Drill Team), Student Council and Alpha Epsilon Delta (National Pre-Medical Honor Society).  Dr. Garland then attended the Medical College of Georgia where he earned his Doctor of Medicine in 1964.  He married the love of his life, Sylvia Parker on June 20, 1964.  Following his residency training, he served in the US Army and then entered private practice in Medical Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Gainesville, Georgia where he practiced until he retired.  He served on an abundant number of committees and boards and received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.  Dr. Garland was known to his colleagues, residents, nurses, and patients as a compassionate, caring physician and was named Psychiatrist of the Year of Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association, 1977-1978.

While a distinguished member of the medical community with a successful practice, Dr. Garland’s most treasured accomplishment was his family.  A devoted family man, Dr. Garland cherished his time with his wife, Sylvia, and their three children, Eleanor, Stephen and William.  He was an avid Bulldog fan and had attended the Master’s golf tournament since he could walk up to the gate and buy paper ticket.  

Survivors include his wife Sylvia Garland of Gainesville, his daughter Eleanor Garland of Gainesville, his son Stephen Garland, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Garland and grandson John Deal Garland of Athens, and his son William Garland and grandson Patrick Garland of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Monday at Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville, Georgia.  Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Barnesville, Georgia for family only.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to either Grace Episcopal Church, 422 Brenau Avenue, Gainesville, GA 30501 or the University of Georgia Foundation: Franklin College of Excellence Fund, Brooks Hall, 310 Herty Drive, Suite 346, Athens, GA 30602 (706-542-1412).

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .