Bobby Delano McGarity

Mr. Bobby Delano McGarity, 87, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Retired), formerly of Toccoa, GA, passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2024, in Glen Burnie, MD. Bobby was born October 11, 1936, to Swilling McGarity and Mildred (McCurdy-McGarity) Reese in Toccoa, GA. 

In 1955, Bobby began his illustrious 20-year career in the U.S. Army as a Transportation Specialist, serving in many Leadership positions, culminating as the Transportation Supervisor in Washington, DC. He also served with honor and distinction on several tours in Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1976. He later worked for the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Association in New Jersey, where he eventually retired. He loved his family, his God, and his Country and was actively involved with the community, including his untiring efforts in educating and mentoring Soldiers and their families. 

Bobby is survived by his wife, Pirom (Noy) McGarity of Glen Burnie, MD, his children, Geneva A. (McGarity) Smith, Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army (Retired) and son-in-law Wilhelm Geoffrey Smith, Sergeant Major U.S. Army (Retired); Mr. Robert D. McGarity; Mrs. Juanita (McGarity) Negron and son-in-law Mr. Alex Negron; Dr. Jacqueline (McGarity) Chando, Colonel U.S. Army (Retired) and son-in-law Andrew J. Chando, Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army (Retired); eight Grandchildren, and 4 Great-Grandchildren; and youngest brother Mr. Jerry D. Reese of Toccoa, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bobby is also survived by his first wife, Yong Su (Kim) McGarity, and two daughters from prior relationships, Ms. Christie Washington and Ms. Morgan Foster. 

Bobby was preceded in death by his Father, Swilling McGarity; dear mother Mildred (McCurdy-McGarity) Reese; Brothers Edward (SweetPea) McGarity, Houston McGarity, Seamy McGarity, Preschet McGarity, Andrew McGarity, Madison McGarity, Johnny W. Reese, Terry L. Reese, Staff Sergeant U.S. Army (Retired), sisters Mary Carter McGarity, Geneva (McGarity) Edwards, Swillene (McGarity) O’Bryant, his beloved granddaughters Lauren E. Smith and Caitlin and Taylor Chando. 

Viewing and Service will be combined at Howell Funeral Home at 10220 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD 20794, on Friday, August 2, 2024, starting at 11:30 am. The Interment will be at 2:30 pm on August 2 2024 at The Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, 1080 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21031. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Fisher House or USO in CSM(Ret) Bobby McGarity’s memory. Your contributions will support Service Members and their Families who serve this great Nation. Thank you for your support and generosity.