Miles Keith Garbee

Miles Keith Garbee, 93, of Lynchburg, Virginia met his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 29, 2023 surrounded by his family.  He was the son of the late William Tyler Garbee and Lillie Belle Lawhorn Garbee, and the husband of Adreana Riley Garbee for 72 years.

Keith was born in Lynchburg on May 31, 1929.  His four older brothers served in the armed services so he was not allowed to enlist in WW2 but he served his country well on the home front.  He discontinued his education at Brookville School at the age of 14 to support his mother and two younger sisters.  His first odd jobs were at the Preston Glenn Airport doing anything from emptying trash cans to repairing the wings of fighter planes. Flying was his first passion and he earned his pilot’s license at an early age.

After the war, he used his mechanical skills to rebuild motors for the Trailway Bus Company and was later employed by A. B. Burton to operate and repair heavy equipment. In June of 1960 he established Garbee’s Repair Shop and operated as a self-employed automobile mechanic for 34 years.  During this time, he mentored several young men for the profession.  One of these men, Ricky Haskins, purchased the business in 1994 and trained a young man who took over the business in February 2021.  Garbee’s Repair Shop currently operates as Strong’s Repair Shop.

Keith was a long-time member of Marsh Memorial United Methodist Church and a member of the Leesville Ruritan Club for over 30 years.

On June 30, 1950 he married the love of his life, Adreana Riley also of Lynchburg. Together they raised three children Phillip Earl Garbee (1951-2020) (Jackie) of Richmond, Laura G. Lin (David) of Forest and Mary G. Hines (David) of Roanoke.

He is also survived by six grandchildren Riley S. Fitzgerald (Brian) and Miles T. Stevenson of Roanoke, Teresa G. Bonifas (Danny) and Jarrett L. Garbee of Richmond and Patrick J. Lin of New Orleans and Robin L. Troutman (Ken) of Lynchburg and three great-grandchildren Sydney E. Fitzgerald, Nathan P. Bonifas and Tyler J. Bonifas and many nieces and nephews.

Keith had many interests including John Deere tractors, gardening and most importantly family.  He loved celebrating birthdays, holidays and hosting family reunions.

The family extends a special thanks to his nephew Michael Garbee for his loving support, to Dr. David Smith, to Home Instead for the excellent care they provided for the last two years and to Carol Asprey as a personal caregiver and friend.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 1 p.m. with a service immediately following at 2 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, officiated by Rev. David Riley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ruritan, International.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family.