David Terry Garrison, Jr.

David T. Garrison, Jr., of Homewood, entered into heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, during the early morning hours of December 11, 2020. He was born on a Good Friday, April 19, 1957 in Birmingham, Alabama. He is preceded in death by his parents, Juanita (Nita) and David T. Garrison Sr., and was their only child. He is also preceded in death by his wife’s mother, Ann Downey Morgan, who fondly referred to David as her “Gentle Giant.” David grew up in Pleasant Grove, Alabama and was a member of Cottage Hill Baptist Church. He graduated from West Birmingham Christian School in 1975, and then attended Walker Jr. College where he played basketball. The first part of David’s career was spent at Harbison Walker where he worked for over 20 years before retiring and going to work for Homewood City Schools at Edgewood Elementary where he served as the On-Site Maintenance Personnel. Throughout both career spans, David met some of the best friends of his life and has always treasured these lifelong friendships.

David is survived by his wife, Janet Lee Garrison; his baby girl, Krista Garrison Lutz (Stephen), Garrison and Ella Kate; his two sons, Joby White (Kacey), Merritt, Asa and Hazel; and Justin White (Aubrey), Katy, Anna Grace and Will. David and Janet were high school sweethearts and later married on January 14, 1989. God blessed them to reunite with the most wonderful family anyone could hope and pray for. He was their protector, leader, provider and all of the fun in the family’s union, and God gave them David as part of His master plan. He loved his family and sacrificed countless times to ensure they all got what they wanted, and everything they needed. Every child would be so lucky to have a dad like David; he was the best husband and friend we could all wish for. He was kind and loyal to a fault. But to be clear, the love of his life was his little blue-eyed girl who he rocked every night as a baby, took to Alabama football games, coached in softball and never missed a dance performance.

As his children got older, they gave him and Janet eight grandchildren who all cherished him as he was the best, most fun “Papa David.” He was so proud of each and every one of them. Most weekends, you would find him at his grandson and namesake, Garrison’s, sporting events where he quickly became known as Papa David by all of Garrison’s teammates and parents as well. David adored the Homewood community and his Edgewood family; he considered them his own family.

Our beloved David, “Mr. Dave” and “Papa David” will be missed by far too many to count. He never encountered a stranger. He was a man of integrity and honor. David’s legacy is more than enough for any good life and our appreciation and love will never fade.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 12:30pm at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood. It will be followed by a funeral service at 2pm honoring David’s life and legacy. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Edgewood Elementary School.