When David C. Garrett Jr., MS IM 55, started work at Delta Air Lines in 1946, he was fresh from Army Air Corps service in World War II and the carrier was a small, regional operation.
Over the next 41 years, Delta grew into the fourth-biggest U.S. airline and Garrett slowly made his way through the company’s ranks, from ticket seller to corner office. He retired as chairman of the board and CEO in 1987.
“Dave Garrett was the very embodiment of Delta: a keeper of its invaluable traditions but also a leader who led the expansion into the Western U.S., elevating the airline into a powerful national carrier,” said former Delta CEO Jerry Grinstein in a statement to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
To honor Mr. Garrett’s retirement, in 1987 Boeing Commercial Airplane Group established a Georgia Tech President’s Scholarship endowment, the David Garrett/Boeing Fund, to celebrate his service and achievements. The scholarship has supported a number of Wrecks over the years, and Mr. Garrett personally corresponded with and supported many of them.
Among others, he is survived by son David C. Garrett III, IM 70.
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