Lt. Cmdr. Dr. Cain Garrett, Jr.

Cain Garrett, Jr., of Tiverton, Rhode Island, was born on May 11, 1942, in Kilgore, Texas (Gregg County), to Cain Leon Garrett and Everett Viola Woods Garrett. Cain was baptized at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas. He graduated from North Chapel High School in May 1959 and joined the U.S. Navy in July of that year.

While attending Navy Destroyer School in Newport, Rhode Island, Cain met Deborah Jean Silvia. The couple, together for 56 years, united in October 1970 in Las Vegas and renewed their vows in Sacramento, California, in March 2000. Cain made a significant impact on his community as an officer and tournament director of the Sacramento Chess Club, serving from 1988 to 2007.

In July 1959, Cain enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he embarked on a distinguished military career that spanned over two decades until his retirement in 1980. He was commissioned as an Ensign in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1968. His service included three shipboard tours in Vietnam. He completed two tours to the Western Pacific during the Cold War on the USS Hopewell (DD681) in 1961 and the USS Rupertus (DD869) in 1962. Throughout his naval career, Cain received numerous medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal upon his retirement. Other Awards and Commendations received while serving in the U.S. Navy include Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Award.

In March 2015, Cain moved to Tiverton, Rhode Island, with wife Deborah. His life reflects a deep commitment to service—both in his military career and in his dedication to his family and community.

Committed to academic excellence, Cain earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from the University of Colorado in 1968. He continued his studies, obtaining a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School (NPGS) in Monterey, California, in 1973, and later received the Electronic Engineer Doctorate Degree at NPGS Monterey, California, in 1974.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Evelyn Washington, JoNell Washington, Royce Garrett, Cecil Garrett and Olethia Garrett. His beloved wife of 56 years, Deborah Jean Garrett, passed away just under two weeks after his own passing.

Cain leaves to cherish his memories: Sisters, India Timms of Kilgore, TX, and Loretta Simon of Forney, TX; Uncle, James Earl Woods of Kilgore; Sister-in-Law, Susan Garrett of Lufkin, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.