John Martin Gartrell

A private celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Mr. Gartrell, 78, of Meridian, died Friday, April 15, 2022, at Laird Hospital in Union, MS. John Gartrell a resident of Meridian, MS and formerly of Guntersville, AL., was a sales manager and business owner most of his life. He was a 1961 graduate of Meridian High School and a 1965 graduate of University of Southern MS with a BA degree in marketing. John helped found the company known as, The Internal Engine Parts Group, Inc. with his father, George Monroe Gartrell, Sr., brother, Alan Gartrell (Meridian, MS), Kenneth P. Allen and Lang Parker (friends) in 1975. Before opening IEPG, INC., the company was known as Automotive Products Company, Inc., owned and operated by his father. John was elected President and Chairman of the Board in 1978 and served as chairman until his passing. John created the sales division for IEPG, Inc. in 1978 and it continues to this day. He also created a national buying group along with other distributors called Engine Pro. Many of the employees for the company thought of him as a mentor and friend. Survivors include his wife, Kathy Dodd Gartrell; children, Todd Martin Gartrell (Cara), and Allison Gartrell Willis (Walt) grandchildren, Joseph Gartrell Willis (Caroline) and Caroline Willis Crasto (Dave); siblings, Alan Gartrell (Andrea), Nancy Morgan (Tony) and George Monroe Gartrell, Jr. (Kim). Preceding Mr. Gartrell in death were his parents, George Monroe Gartrell, Sr., and Dorothea Scholtes Gartrell. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to your favorite charity.