Rex Allen Garrett

Rex Allen Garrett, of China Grove, North Carolina, passed away after a brave battle with cancer, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in motorsports and a family who was the center of his life. He was born on April 10, 1955, in Portland, Maine, and was raised in Scarborough, Maine, where he graduated from Scarborough High School.

Rex was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married his wife, Sally, in 1977, and together they raised three daughters: Jaimie Tervo, Kristen Collins, and Molly Stamey. He took great pride in his family and often expressed deep gratitude for his sons-in-law, Joe Collins, Tyler Tervo, and Skylar Stamey. Rex was a proud grandfather to Ava, Zac, Alex, Evan, Lucy, and Oliver, a role he cherished deeply. 

Rex is also survived by his sister, Linda (Mark) Ferguson, sister-in-law Holly Redmond, brothers-in-law Peter (Jazz) Redmond and Stephen (Debbie) Redmond; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Dick” Garrett, and his mother, Eunice Nielsen Lincoln. 

Rex built a distinguished career as one of the most respected powertrain builders in motorsports. His passion for racing began at a young age, working alongside his father at race tracks throughout New England during the 1960s. That early exposure ignited a lifelong dedication to the sport and laid the foundation for decades of achievement. 

In 1982, Rex founded Garrett Built Gearboxes in Scarborough, Maine, supplying high-quality powertrain components to race teams across New England and Canada. His reputation for precision, innovation, and excellence opened the door to greater opportunities, leading him to relocate with his family to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1998, where he joined Diamond Ridge Motorsports and later Joe Gibbs Racing. 

In 1999, Rex began a 26-year career with Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI), serving as Head of the Powertrain Division. In 2008, he was promoted to Operations Director, and in 2009 played a key role in the formation of the Earnhardt Technologies Group, helping expand the organization’s engineering and technical capabilities. 

Continuing his lifelong commitment to innovation, Rex launched Hi-Performance Powertrain in 2024, once again supplying premier powertrain solutions to race tracks across the United States and Canada. He will be remembered for his love of racing, working on his Corvette, grilling by the pool, enjoying a good campfire, watching NFL football, and his unwavering love for his family. 

The family is honoring his final wishes to celebrate his life privately; no other services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rex's honor to a charity of your choosing.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Rex Allen Garrett.