Mills River, NC
William A. Garrison, 98, of Mills River, died Thursday, September 6, 2012 at the Elizabeth House.
A native of Wyoming, he grew up in Nebraska and has lived in Hendersonville for the past 34 years. He is preceded in death by: two wives, Agnes Garrison who died in 2005 and Violet Snow Garrison who died in 2011, a sister, Evelyn Garrison Mammato who died in 2003; a niece, Gene Spencer who died in 1995; a nephew John Quackenbush who died in 2011; and a great-niece, Becky Garrett who died in 1997.
He was a lifelong employee of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Bill was also a member of Hendersonville Seventh Day Adventist Church, where he served in the Sabbath school bible class. He was a finish carpenter and then made the decision to go into education as an industrial arts, biological science instructor and principal. Bill also was the maintenance supervisor for many years for Porter Hospital in Denver, Colorado.
He is survived by nine nephews and nieces; Gary James Shafer, Rolland Shafer, Jean Simmons, Darlene Morrison, Lowell Rhodes,Larry Rhodes, Susan Odell, Leta “Ducky” Salerno, and James Quackenbush.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, September 10, 2012 at Hendersonville Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Charles Ferguson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Fletcher Academy, PO Box 5440, Fletcher, NC 28732.
An online register book and sympathy card is available by visiting www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.
I well remember Bill as a leader in the group that spent a few days at NOSOCA Pines. He was a gentlemen and well organized. My sympathy to his relatives.
Bill was a good friend and an encouragement to me and all around him. His smile and strong handshake will be missed every Sabbath. At almost 99, he was a sharp vital man.
The Hendersonville SDA Church has lost a member of sterling qualities–and we have lost a very faithful and cherished friend. Our hope is in the Lord and the glorious day of resurrection and reunion at the Second Coming. “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”
Bill Garrison was my grade school principal at Tualatin Valley Jr. Academy in Hillsboro/Beaverton, Oregon. Though he was firm, I remember him having a kind heart and always hoping for the best in his students. I appreciated his encouragement when I was the Student Body President my ninth grade year at the school. I also remember his love for rock hounding. He once took me and Vernon Reeves with him up into the Kelso-Longview area to go agate hunting. What a treat! We found a number of good specimens. I remember he also cut a fairly large agate for me which I had found in Vernonia. I ended up respecting him a lot because of that time he spent with me. I had no idea he was still living. 98. Amazing! I am sure he blessed many people through the years. It will be great to see him again soon when the Lord returns.