Dwight Pierre Garland

Dwight “Pierre” Garland was born on a chilly winter’s day, January 7, 1965, in Kilgore, Texas, to Willie Ray Garland, Sr. and Jackie Mae (Yarbrough) Garland. From the beginning, Pierre brought a vibrant energy into the world—one that would touch the lives of so many throughout the years.

Pierre’s childhood was filled with imagination, grit, and a spark for life that never faded. Even as a teenager, he was enterprising and bold. One of his favorite stories to tell was about the gambling shack he built in his backyard—where neighborhood kids would come to play, and often, leave with a little less pocket change than they came with. Pierre always had a story, and always had a laugh ready to follow it.

He moved to Dallas where he attended A. Maceo Smith High School, and it was there that fate brought him to Diann Dudley, his high school sweetheart. Their love blossomed into a lifelong bond, and together they raised three children—CoCo, Dominique, and Destinee—who became the center of Pierre’s world.

Pierre was a man full of life, full of love, and full of fun. His passion for cars—especially Mustangs—was matched only by his love for music, breakdancing, shooting hoops, and telling jokes that would fill a room with laughter. Whether he was spinning tracks at a party, sketching a drawing, or scratching off lottery tickets with anticipation, Pierre lived fully in the moment. He had a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life, and he embraced everyone with open arms and a big smile.

Family was everything to Pierre. Whether on a road trip vacation, a weekend bingo run, or a backyard cookout, he made sure joy was at the center of every gathering. He took pride in the Garland family legacy, continuing the work of Garland Auto Recyclers & Auto Parts as a second-generation entrepreneur. He was a man of many talents—window tinting, car detailing, and even designing his own peace sign necklaces in the early 2000s. If something needed fixing, building, or improving, Pierre was your guy.

On July 21, 2025, Pierre peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and love that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved children: CoCo Gonzalez, Dominique Garland, and Destinee Garland; his cherished grandchildren: Jaylan Smith-Garland, Adrianna Gonzalez, Zeavion Johnson, Alyssa Gonzalez, Allura Morris, and Alani Stevens; his siblings: Clinton Garland, Sheila Garland, Nia Garland, and Jermey Garland; along with nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, including Cornisha, Jessica, Sharday, Farshay, Clenesha, Jodi, Chelsea, Quincy Ray, Quinton, Maliq, Jaxon, Sean III, Issac, Gavin, Palyn, Seaniyah, Queen, and Faith. He also leaves behind his son-in-law Hector Gonzalez, sister-in-law Shantae Williams-Garland, and a host of extended family and lifelong friends who will miss his presence dearly.

Pierre’s journey through this life was marked by love, laughter, hustle, and heart. He lived his way—loud, bold, and full of joy—and his legacy will live on through everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Rest well, Pierre. You will always be remembered.