Dan Garrett joined the Atlanta Jugglers Association in the early 1980s and attended Groundhog Day Jugglers Festivals almost every year for 40 years. He often performed a magic act at our festival Cabaret on Saturday night. Dan passed away suddenly at home on August 3, 2023.

Dan was born in Valdosta, Georgia. He lived most of his youth in Douglas, Georgia. Dan was a bright boy with interests ranging from playing jazz piano to judging poultry. His college days took him to Georgia Tech, where he received a BS in Physics. It was at the Baptist Student Union there that Dan met the love of his life, a Georgia Baptist nursing student named Carol Jordan.

After they both graduated, Dan and Carol established a home in Decatur, moving to their current residence in Lithonia. Dan worked for a couple of years doing office work, but was not satisfied. He convinced Carol that he could do magic for a living and be a success. With her support, Dan embarked on a lifetime adventure in magic. He was manager of M & M Magic in Jonesboro for several years, selling magic and influencing many magicians practicing in the Atlanta area.

Dan became President of the Society of American Magicians in 1994. This is an office that Harry Houdini held for several years and is the oldest established magic society. Dan was also proud to be a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and a Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, Magic Circle, London (King Charles is a member).

Dan was a prolific author and inventor of magic effects. He was sought after to lecture to magic groups and perform at conventions around the world. Dan was the author of a column in the MUM Magazine (publication of the SAM) for many years called Pandora’s Box. He would offer magic ideas from himself and other magicians. He also wrote with Anthony Darkstone a column called World Class Magic for four years. Dan’s lectures took him to Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, where he made lifelong friends.

Dan and Carol loved to cruise. When an opportunity came for him to work for Crystal Cruise line, he happily accepted. When Carol had time off (and especially after retirement) she loved to go with him. Cruises went to Easter Island, Tahiti, Iceland, Norway, Azores, Portugal, Madeira, Canary Islands, Morocco, Eastern Seaboard, St. Lawrence River in Canada, Greece, Italy, France and Spain, and several cruises in the Caribbean. Dan made many friends with the crew and performers on the ships, performing for them when he could.

Dan also liked to play golf. He and Carol came to it later in life, but had a passion for it. He enjoyed playing with the guys, with his brother in law, David Corbin, and the Couples Group at Stone Mountain with Carol. His golf friends called him Magic.

Dan and Carol were married for 50 years on April 1, 2023. They took a cruise to commemorate the event and had a wonderful time.