Harry Garrison

Mr. H. Raymond Garrison passed away on Sunday, February 14, at the Hospice Home of Alamance-Caswell. Born in a log cabin, he was 100 years and 9 months old. (Yes, he was counting.) His loss will be felt deeply by his family, neighbors and friends. He will always be remembered as a family man. He was a devoted husband who always came through the back door with a flower or other treasure from the yard for Eva. He was a hands-on father who loved his three Bs and attended all of their ballgames and activitiesusually with his large, paneled station wagon loaded with girls. He was adored by his four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who knew that he would always stop and dig worms to go fishing, make something with them in his shop, play a game and lose graciously, or tell a story about his life growing up on a farm in northern Alamance County. When they asked him about his philosophy for a good life, he would tell them, Do what you love, and always go to church. As the oldest of eight, he grew up working hard and making things by hand. During the Great Depression, he was needed more at home than at school. As an adolescent he had a butter and egg route through the Village at Glencoe, making his way with a wagon and mule. He was always a farmer at heart, though he spent most of his career in the maintenance department at Copland Fabrics. He grew a variety of vegetables but especially loved growing watermelons and cantaloupes. He was an animal whisperer and always had a menagerie of farm animals and pets who were devoted to him. He was an extraordinary carpenter who took great pride in his work, whether it was a mill building, a piece of furniture or his signature picnic baskets. He was born into Bethel United Methodist Church where he remained active until his health declined. He served faithfully as a Trustee, helping to maintain the church and parsonage. He was a member of the Methodist Men and the Joy Sunday School Class. He helped with the churchs Boy Scout troop and was always on hand for the annual Brunswick Stew sale, donating beef and vegetables and helping stir the pots. He was a loyal Atlanta Braves fan who never wavered due to the win-loss record, and for his 100th birthday, the team sent him an autographed baseball and some dirt from Turner field. His service as a Staff Sergeant in World War II was a significant piece of his life story. He was an infantryman in the 104th Division, also known as the Timberwolves, and served on the front lines in the European theater, fighting predominately in France and Germany. He was awarded a Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster for his service. He always had a story to tell about those years and the life lessons he learned in the military. He taught those around him to live with purpose, to have a servants heart, to love and respect others, to be in awe of nature, to value family, and that true happiness is never found in things. Mr. Garrison is survived by his two daughters; Beth Lockamy and her husband, Aaron, and Barbara Massey and her husband, Greg, all of Burlington; grandchildren, Robin (Bill) Siren of Franklin, TN, Timothy (Dee) Lockamy of Louisburg, NC, Penney Hoppe of Atlanta, GA and Katie (Jerry) Snider of Mooresville, NC; great grandchildren, Emily and Elaina Siren, Aaron, Eden, Sierra and Brooke Lockamy, Cana and Clay Hoppe and Fiona Snider; three sisters, Nellie Kraemer of Burlington, Ruth Oakley of AR and Jean Weathers of FL; and a brother, Vernon (Jean) Garrison of Burlington. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Eva Blanchard Garrison; a daughter, Becky Marshall; his parents, Lacy Lee Garrison and Bertha Saunders Garrison; a sister, Mozelle Beckom; and two brothers, Odell Garrison and Aubrey Garrison. The family would like to express a special thanks to Karen, Himelda and Rosa for their love and care and also to the Veterans Administration for the excellent medical care and support services extended to Mr. Garrison over the years. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 19, 2016 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Laura Dunlap, Rev. David C. Wade and Rev. Reneé Burnette. Interment will follow with military honors at Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Thursday evening at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory and other times at the residence. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 1421 Bethel Methodist Church Road, Burlington, NC 27217 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.