Current visitations:
Previous visitations:
Name: Mr. Garland Lenoir
Date: September 21, 1943 - November 14, 2020
Biography
City of birth: Cincinnati, OH
Mother: Doris Willingham Lenoir Maternal Grandparents: Elmer Lacey & Althea (Stewart) Willingham
Father: Garland G. Lenoir Sr. Paternal Grandparents: Annie Lenoir
Daughters: Michelle Lenoir Gaulding, Nichole Y. Lenoir, Monica Henderson
Sons: Garland G. Lenoir III
Sisters: Patricia Lenoir, Geraldine Lenoir, Nancy Lenoir
Brothers: Michael Lenoir, Kenneth Lenoir
Education: Berkley High School, Langston University
Occupation: Businessman
Special notations: (Watch Memorial Service Here) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83735585273
Services: In Celebration of
Garland G. Lenoir, Jr
September 21, 1943 - November 14, 2020
The Legend Who Did it His Way
Garland G. Lenoir, Jr. was one of a kind: gregarious, loyal and brave with high standards for himself and others. His was a commanding presence, lighting up every room he entered, investing the gift of time and connection among all he knew. He lived his life in action and honed gifts that endeared him to others and created a legacy for his family, friends and community.
Garland was born September 21, 1943 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the oldest son of Garland G. Lenoir, Sr. and Doris Mae Willingham Lenoir. A year after his birth, his family joined The Great Migration and settled in Oakland, California. Garland thrived as a curious student in sunny California, graduating from Berkeley High School in 1960 near the top of his class before joining the United States Air Force. He served with distinction as an Air Traffic Controller during the Vietnam War.
Military service led Garland to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, an assignment that forever changed the course of his life. Soon after arriving for duty in 1962, he met and married Bernice Maxine Hicks, and, together, they raised three children: Michelle, Garland III, and Nichole.
After an honorable discharge from the USAF in 1964, he became one of the first Black Air Traffic Controllers at Will Rogers World Airport. He attended Langston University and explored a variety of careers before taking the leap into entrepreneurship, ultimately becoming a legendary businessman in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Garland’s business enterprise grew to include several restaurants and nightclubs, including The Boardroom, Garland’s, The Living Room, Mr. G’s, The Famous Lounge and, finally, the nationally acclaimed Odyssey which was one of the largest and most successful clubs in Oklahoma City. Those in Oklahoma City during the 80s and early 90s have at least one story about a great time at one or more of Garland’s clubs. Many considered him a “class act”. His stylish, fashionable ways reflected the great pride and high standards he required for everything he did. His clubs consistently bustled with happy customers who felt as if Garland made the setting just for them.
Garland remained resilient during market changes, rebuilding his life and businesses over and over. A disappointing business venture, in his eyes, was a learning opportunity. Always eager to “get it just right,” he launched L & G’s on the Boulevard as his final gift to the city. He retired in 2018.
When he wasn’t running his businesses, Garland was an avid reader and skilled fisherman. He was known to enjoy a game of Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, or Dominoes with anyone brave enough to compete. Food and storytelling were always in abundant supply when Garland was around. He loved to entertain with winding stories, often laced with obscure facts about his encounters with the famous and/or infamous. While his children, grandchildren and extended family were most often the recipients of his wit and charming ways, Garland’s gift of being affable and approachable gave him a reputation as a man of the people.
Garland was lured by adventure. He loved to travel, especially by car, seeing the country on his own terms with one or more of his grandchildren, his brother, Michael, or dear friends. Feeding a need to connect the dots of his life, he travelled back around the world to revisit Vietnam in his later years.
What made Garland spectacular was that he carried so many roles effortlessly: son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, military veteran, businessman, mentor, trailblazer. While his legacy lives on, our lives already sparkle less without him.
Garland left us far too soon after a valiant battle with lung cancer. Continuing his legacy are his brother, Michael Lenoir (Diane), sister Nancy Lenoir; his children, Michelle Lenoir Gaulding (JW), Garland Lenoir, III (Kathy), Nichole Lenoir, and Monica Henderson; seven grandchildren, Garland Lenoir, IV, Jeffrey Gaulding (Emilee), Christian Lenoir, Brianna Gaulding, Darryl Hill, Gabrielle Lenoir, and Elana Banks; and two great-grandchildren, Caiden Lenoir and Charlotte Gaulding; extended family and scores of cherished friends.
Preceding Garland in death are his parents Garland Lenoir, Sr. (1920 - 1989) and Doris Willingham Lenoir (1925 - 2020), siblings Geraldine Lenoir (1941 - 2014), Kenneth Lenoir, and Patricia Lenoir.
Services date and time: 2pm Saturday, November 21
(2020-11-16 5:20pm) Andrea Miller wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-16 5:27pm) Billy Russell wrote:
The promises God made are all true.
(2020-11-16 5:30pm) La Rhonda Stewart wrote:
May you feel his loving presence.
(2020-11-16 7:53pm) Reva Edwards wrote:
May God comfort you today.
(2020-11-16 9:19pm) Leon & Yvonne Douglas wrote:
Our deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-17 7:00am) Cheri And John Ford wrote:
Our deepest condolences to the family and may God comfort all of you in the way that only He can.
(2020-11-17 8:27am) Cheryl Herron wrote:
In just a few years of Garland letting me into his world I have so many fun memories. Great cook and friend. To The Family; your grief is shared and we are lifting you all up in prayer during this difficult time.
(2020-11-17 11:46am) Doris "TIKI" Smotherman wrote:
My Deepest Sincere CONDOLENCES to the Family.. RIP MY FRIEND ...
(2020-11-17 12:25pm) Sandy Brown wrote:
I am going to miss you so much!! Our talks and disagreements made our friendship so special. Thank you for all you done for me and I will see you again. Until then, Rest in Power and Heaven!!
(2020-11-17 2:25pm) LADONNA G BARRIENTEZ wrote:
My Deepest sympathy to the Lenoir family. May your family feel Gods loving presence during this time.
(2020-11-17 5:52pm) Valery Smith wrote:
The promises God made are all true.
(2020-11-17 6:23pm) Nila Elam wrote:
In your moments of deepest sadness.
(2020-11-17 6:53pm) Greenwood James wrote:
May God grant peace and comfort to the entire Lenoir family. Pastor James and Carolyn Greenwood
(2020-11-17 6:54pm) The Z wrote:
In your moments of deepest sadness always remember, "Footsteps In The Sand". God will carry you through
(2020-11-17 6:54pm) The Barrientez Family wrote:
In your moments of deepest sadness always remember, "Footsteps In The Sand". God will carry you through.
(2020-11-17 8:43pm) Yolande Jacobs wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-17 9:25pm) CAROLYNJONES wrote:
God knows your heartache and shares your grief.
(2020-11-17 9:46pm) Elizabeth Ruth Boldien wrote:
May God comfort you today. In your moments of deepest sadness. Your needs will be provided.
(2020-11-17 10:58pm) Kym Humphrey wrote:
My sympathy and prayers for your family during this time. I pray God will provide you all with the comfort you need. Garland will truly be missed.
(2020-11-18 5:02am) Dawn M. West-Lewis wrote:
You are in my prayers.
(2020-11-18 6:13am) Sis J Jackson wrote:
God knows your heartache and shares your grief. Rest In Heavenly Peace
(2020-11-18 7:12am) Miami Own wrote:
the good old days REST IN PEACE.. THE ODYSSEY NIGHT CLUB NEVER WILL FORGET
(2020-11-18 7:23am) Denise McDonald wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-18 8:15am) Michael Elliott wrote:
My condolences to the family may God continue to bless and guide you during this time of loss.
(2020-11-18 8:58am) Alvin Metoyer wrote:
Gonna miss our PAL days. Rest well my friend. Family, may God comfort you in this time.
(2020-11-18 10:59am) Yolande Jacobs wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-18 12:18pm) Pam Ellis wrote:
In your moments of deepest sadness, may the Lord comfort you during this time of bereavement.
(2020-11-18 1:38pm) Ruby Beaird wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-18 6:02pm) Phillip Jones wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-18 8:08pm) Michael Hooks Sr wrote:
Me an all my family in Dallas an Austin give our condolences 💐 Love Unc Big G prayers to family 🙏🏽
(2020-11-18 8:59pm) Michael Hooks Sr wrote:
Me an all my family in Dallas an Austin give our condolences 💐 Love Unc Big G prayers to family 🙏🏽
(2020-11-19 9:44am) Sharon Jones wrote:
God knows your heartache and shares your grief.
(2020-11-19 10:30am) Joyce Boyd wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-19 10:55am) David P Brown wrote:
Garland was truly someone I have enjoyed for over 40 years. He was always positive with a Big smile. He is proof that wonderful people need to be enjoyed while they are here. Missing him already
(2020-11-19 2:23pm) Cynthia Long wrote:
RIP Garland
(2020-11-19 2:25pm) Cindy Long wrote:
God bless you and your family richly.
(2020-11-19 3:23pm) Dempsey And Sheila Patton wrote:
Our deepest sympathy. RIP Garland
(2020-11-19 5:24pm) Sharon & Mike Dean wrote:
I will love I miss my uncle G he was such a class act I am heartbroken but I know he is in a better placeTo my cousins Michelle and Nicole & garland I love you all And we are here for you always love my family God bless you!🙏🏽🙏🏽
(2020-11-19 6:09pm) Kim Burge wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-20 12:11am) Victor And Melissa Little wrote:
Our deepest condolences. Our prayers are you and your family.
(2020-11-20 9:12am) Michelle Lenoir Gaulding wrote:
The world is a better place because my Dad lived, loved and laughed with us for over 77 years. May he rest in perfect power and peace.
(2020-11-20 11:47am) Anthony Taylor Sr wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-20 1:14pm) Theressa Taylor wrote:
Uncle Mike and Aunt Diane may God bless you and your family at such a time as this. Praying for you all. ❤
(2020-11-20 1:44pm) Madeline A Gaines wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-20 1:55pm) Coffey wrote:
Rip friend had many good times with you
(2020-11-20 2:56pm) Twana Moore Ware wrote:
My thoughts and prayers are with you the Lenoir family as you go through such a difficult loss at such a difficult time. God bless you all.....Twana ❤🙏🏾
(2020-11-20 3:19pm) Angie Alexander Gipson wrote:
I worked with Garland YEARS ago at the Post Office and I was a classmate of Bernice Hicks. So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Blessings for strength to get through your grief.
(2020-11-20 6:35pm) Yvonne Brown wrote:
My deepest condolences to My dearest friends(family) Michelle, Nichole and Garland. May God Comfort your hearts and The Greatest Love be sent from Heaven above to ease the pain of losing your loved one. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
(2020-11-20 10:30pm) Chester And Linda Hill wrote:
Our deepest sympathy! Prayers and blessings to the family🙏🏽
(2020-11-21 1:57am) Rick Bullard wrote:
Sincere condolences. Garland always treated me fairly. May he rest in peace. Thanks.
(2020-11-21 6:26am) Vickey Hornbeak wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-21 10:32am) Darryl And Brittany Hill And GreatGrandaughter Olivia Hill wrote:
We Love you Grandpa and will miss you,Thank you for being an Awesome Grandfather,you're truly a Legend!!
(2020-11-21 10:54am) Phefe Lee wrote:
With my deepest sympathy to the family especially Mike & my sister Diane. It has been a rough Sept -Nov 2020 for our family loosing our loved ones so close together. May they Rest In Peace until we see them again 🙏🏼🌷💕💞🌹
(2020-11-21 11:00am) Sandra Simpson-Franklin wrote:
You are in my prayers.
(2020-11-21 4:13pm) SHEMIA N DEAN wrote:
We will be praying for the entire Lenoir family. Garland will be missed. Love the Dean Family
(2020-11-21 5:54pm) Peggy Jackson wrote:
(2020-11-22 6:50pm) Kay Edwards wrote:
He was a nice person
(2020-11-22 10:12pm) Maxine Johnson wrote:
My condolences and deepest sympathy to Garland family. You all are in my prayers!
(2020-11-22 10:17pm) Sonny & Lynn Anderson wrote:
You are in our prayers, sorry for your loss! Our sincere condolences, may God bless your family!
(2020-11-23 12:50am) Latoya Thompson wrote:
You are in my prayers.
(2020-11-23 7:20am) VERAN C RANDLE wrote:
"REST WITH PEACE, MY BROTHER"!!!
(2020-11-23 12:08pm) Elisa Taylor wrote:
God knows your heartache and shares your grief.
(2020-11-27 9:27am) Donna Mack wrote:
Garland will be remembered... Worked in his club with my bro n law the photographer Mike Hall... He was best friends and traveler with my stepfather, as they were in the Air Force together (Theotis Barnes).. He usta cum by our hse on Sundays to eat and visit Theotis... We will miss him 2
(2020-11-27 11:12am) Lana Roushelle Wrenn-Holland wrote:
God bless you and your family richly.
(2020-11-27 12:16pm) Darryl CHOO Kennedy wrote:
Rest now Mr. G. ..
(2020-11-27 8:41pm) Annette Colbert-Black wrote:
My deepest sympathy.
(2020-11-28 8:32am) Elizabeth Ruth Boldien wrote:
God bless you and your family richly. May you feel his loving presence.
(2021-01-17 9:59pm) Michael Hooks Sr wrote:
Me an all my family in Dallas an Austin give our condolences 💐 Love Unc Big G prayers to family 🙏🏽