A helping hand during difficult times

Wayne Garlock, a Greenville native, has dedicated his life to serving his community, making him the Greenville Advocate’s Hero of the Week.

Garlock graduated from Greenville High School in 1976 before joining the Army, where he served for six years and was awarded the Army Commendation medal for distinguished service. During his military service, Garlock attended the University of Maryland overseas, taking classes with the intention of going into law enforcement.

After leaving the service, Garlock returned to Greenville to care for his ailing parents. He enrolled at Lurleen B. Wallace (LBW) Community College, receiving a degree and becoming a licensed paramedic. Garlock then worked as a firefighter for the Greenville Fire Department for seven years before opening GEM’s Ambulance Service.

Sarah Smith, who worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at GEM’s Ambulance Service for several years, expressed her admiration for Garlock.

“It was awesome getting to work alongside him,” Smith said. “He was a great boss and I’m proud to know him. He just always goes above and beyond. He’d give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed it.”

Garlock has been married to his wife Lisa for 41 years. They share three children and one grandchild.

“She’s my partner in everything and she’s been by my side for 41 years,” Wayne said.

Lisa, reflecting on Wayne’s commitment to the community, added, “He absolutely loves this community, or he wouldn’t have put in so many years. He does it because he really cares about the people here.”

Currently in his sixth term as the Butler County Coroner, Garlock faced a significant challenge in 2018 when he lost the primary election. However, he retained his post by winning the general election through write-in votes, a feat that has only happened twice in Alabama since the installation of electronic ballots.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve Butler County,” Wayne said. “I’m still humbled by that. People will still bring it up and tell me, ‘I wrote your name in,’ and every time someone mentions it, I’m just so honored.”

Lisa Garlock also praised Wayne as a devoted husband and father with immense love for his family, church, and community.

“I just can’t say enough about what he does for me every day,” Lisa said. “He was always a very involved father. He coached girls’ softball the whole time our girls were young, and we still go out and try to support the kids in the community, even though we don’t have kids playing anymore.”

Wayne Garlock’s dedication to his family, career, and community has earned him the respect and admiration of those who know him, making him a deserving recipient of this week’s Hero of the Week honor.

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