C.F. Garrison
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

C. F. (Gary) Garrison, 92, of Jonesborough, died Friday, April 19, 2019, after an extended illness.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, Olene Sheffield Garrison; his devoted children Stephen Garrison (Linda) of Conyers, Georgia; Karen Ann Heaton of Johnson City; and Carl Garrison (Debora) of Seattle, Washington. He was especially close to and will be missed by his brothers Ray Garrison (Susan)
of Kingsport and Clyde Garrison (Joyce Dean) of Johnson City. He was also treasured by his seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his two sisters, Joyce Broome and Marie Matherly, and son-in-law Patrick Heaton.
C.F. was born on November 12, 1926, in the Valley Forge community of Elizabethton, Tennessee, to Carl and Alida Garrison and was a graduate of Hampton High School. He also graduated from East Tennessee State College with a degree in technical engineering and mathematics.
During World War II, C.F. served as an instructor for the U.S. Army at Ft. Benning, Georgia. After his military service, he married Olene Sheffield of Paragould, Arkansas, on June 6, 1951. C.F. was a math teacher at Elizabethton High School and also taught high school math in Augusta, Georgia. He was later employed by General Electric in Cincinnati, Ohio, before moving back to East Tennessee where he worked at Magnavox and then at Nuclear Fuel Services. Later, he also worked as a general contractor and a realtor.
C.F. was happiest when he was with his family and his brothers, at church, or when he was meeting new people. He never knew a stranger and always had a smile and time to tell stories and learn about those he met. He delighted in being in his woodworking shop planning projects and swapping stories with his two brothers who dubbed themselves “The 3 Gs.” He also loved family gatherings, especially coordinating family reunions and carrying on the apple butter-making family tradition started by his parents. His eldest grandson Jeremy Garrison and wife Amanda continue to carry on that tradition today.
C.F. was a member of Boones Creek Christian Church and during his life served as elder and deacon in various churches of which he was a member. He was always involved in church activities and particularly wanted to help nearby churches who were struggling with membership numbers or needed help building programs. He would help with any needs he could fulfill.
C.F. had a special heart for children and was a long-time donor and supporter of many children’s ministries in the area. Friends who would like to honor him are invited to make a donation in his memory to: Boones Creek Christian Church Children’s Ministry, 305 Christian Church Rd., Johnson City, Tennessee 37615.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date.