Rudy Stephen Garland

Rudy Stephen Garland, age 76, of Unicoi, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 01, 2025, at his residence while he was surrounded by his family. He is a son of the late Stewart and Betty McCurry Garland. Rudy lived most of his life in Unicoi.

Rudy was a proud United States Army Veteran having served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. Rudy retired from CSX Transportation with over twenty-five years of service.

Rudy’s favorite place to be was at home on his farm where he would bale his hay, tend to his cattle and horses. He liked riding across his pastures with his dogs Sniper and Dino. Rudy loved the outdoors especially hunting with his son and grandchildren. He was an avid high school and college football fan.

Rudy considered his greatest accomplishments to be his two children and his grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

In addition to his parents, Rudy is preceded in death by two sisters: Judy Adams and Carol Dula.

Rudy leaves behind to cherish many wonderful memories, his loving and devoted wife of fifty-seven years, Celesta Ingle Garland; his loving children: Carrie Garland and Adam Garland; his loving grandchildren: Lane Garland and Meredith Garland; brothers: Dean Garland and Doug Garland (Renee); sister, Marijane Barron; sister-in-law, Robin Veitch (Mike); several nieces, nephews and friends also survive.

The Garland family will receive friends on Monday, December 08, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Unicoi Funeral Home. Rudy’s graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday in the Roselawn Memory Gardens with Preacher Willie Morrow officiating. Family will serve as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend Rudy’s graveside service should meet at the Unicoi Funeral Home by 1:30 p.m. Monday to with us in procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer you to go share a meal and spend time with your family, which Rudy loved doing with his family.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the VA staff for all the care and support given to Rudy and his family. They would also like to thank the Cornerstone caregivers and Gentiva Hospice caregivers for their care plus all the friends who have visited Rudy and his family.   

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Garland family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi is privileged to serve the Garland family. (423) 743-1380.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rudy Stephen Garland, please visit our floral store.