Joseph Wallace Garrison

Joseph Wallace Garrison, age 65, born in Knoxville, TN on September 23, 1948, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, November 5, 2013 in Sebring, FL. Joe was formerly of Knoxville, TN and was presently residing in Newton, IL. Joe was a former member of Sun Light Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN and a current member of First Presbyterian Church in Newton, IL. Joe was an avid golfer and accomplished country music and gospel singer. He had a heart of gold, a competitive spirit, and the voice of an angel. He was very active in the church and always had a smile on his face. Joe went to Hiwassee College and served in the United States Navy in Vietnam and later in the Navy Reserves. He worked for the United States Post Office and later was the owner and operator of Garrison Construction, Inc. in Knoxville, TN. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Reed Garrison, his mother, Margaret E. Webb Garrison, and his sister, Elizabeth “Bootie” Garrison Childress. Joe is survived by his very special friend and companion, Shirley Holt; The mother of his children, Deborah K. Garrison, his son, Joseph W. Garrison, II (Michelle), and children Kayla James, Samuel James, and Joseph Garrison; His son, Douglas Reed Garrison (Michele), and children, Chelsey Carter, Seth Wooliver, Brandi Wooliver, and Gracie Garrison. He is also survived by his loving brother and sisters, Gail Garrison Miller (Kenny), Paul Thomas Garrison (Mildred), and Mary Garrison,and Brother-in-Law John Childress. Joe was loved by his family and never met a stranger. He played a huge part in the lives of all his brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and will be sorely missed. Memorials may be made to the Veterans Administration or to the donor’s choice. Funeral service will be held 7 PM Sunday at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel with Perry Austin officiating. Family and friends will meet 1:15 PM Monday at Lynnhurst Cemetery for interment at 1:30 PM. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5-7 PM at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City.