Addison Lorraine McGarrity Jr., 90, passed away peacefully at home in Lilburn, Ga. on February 22, 2026 after suffering a lingering illness of Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Atlanta on August 18, 1935, and grew up in Macon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Addison Lorraine McGarrity Sr. and Frances Edith Whitehead, and his step-son David Dwayne Hopper. He is survived by his wife, Juanita Louise Smith; step-daughter, Cheryl Wilson (Matthew); son, Scott McGarrity (Samantha); grandchildren Gregory, Marshall Wilson (Emily), Sophia, and Sabrina McGarrity; brother, Richard McGarrity (Jayne); and nephews Robert L. and Addison McGarrity, and great-nephew Robert M. McGarrity.
Addison graduated from Lanier High School in Macon and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Class of ’58) with a degree in mechanical engineering. After serving six months as a second lieutenant in the U. S. Army, he began a 40-year career with General Electric. This job, working with computers, led to many relocations. While living in Alabama he met his wife of 57 years.
In 1973, he realized his wish to return to Georgia. Addison enjoyed a long retirement beginning in 1998. One feature of his retirement was monthly dining out with the R.O.M.E.O.s (Retired Old Men Eating Out), all former GE employees.
Addison was a devoted family man. He was part big brother, part father to Richard, his much younger brother. When Addison established his own family, he was a good provider, responsive to needs and wants. Early in their marriage he promised Juanita he would install all the shelves she wanted, never dreaming how many shelves she would want over the years. He took up ballroom dancing to please Juanita and came to enjoy Friday night dances.
He was very involved in raising the children, playing and teaching them. A favorite game of the older children was “Monster in the Park.” Scott fondly remembers the tree fort his dad built for him. Addison had infinite patience in helping with homework, especially math. He would make props for school projects, one example being a wooden ax. He taught all the children to drive. His involvement extended to the grandchildren.
Aside from his family and computers, Addison had other major interests. Growing up he was a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, but the team lost his loyalty after moving to Los Angeles and he eventually became an Atlanta Braves fan. As a result of his son attending UGA, Addison became a Georgia Bulldog football fan. Cars were another interest and in early years he owned MGs, a Mustang, and a Corvette. Retaining his engineering interest he enjoyed reading about engineering feats.
Two of his favorite books were about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal, both by David McCullough.
A private internment at Floral Hills in Tucker is planned for a later date. The family would like to thank Gee’s Caring Agency and in particular Ellizabeth Wallace and Arifa Billa for their caring help and Longleaf Hospice for the help they provided during the last two years.
