David Allen Garrison died April 2, 2015 after a period of declining health. He was born September 13, 1922 in Statesville, NC, the son of Braton M Garrison, Sr and Plennie Sherrill Garrison. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Brate M Garrison, Jr.
In the 5th grade, he saw the most beautiful girl in Statesville, and spent the summer trying to find out who she was. They finally met in the 7th grade, and his dreams were realized when he and Nancy Deitz Green were married September, 1944. They celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2014.
He fell in love with flying as a teen, and joined the US Army Air Corps as a pilot in 1944, serving with the 314th Troop Carrier Squadron. He achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant before discharge in 1945. After the war, he returned to his studies at UNC, graduating with a degree in journalism. He worked at the Alta Vista Journal for 1 year, and briefly worked at the VA in Winston-Salem. He joined the Employment Security Commission local office, later transferring to the central office in Raleigh. He was employed with the ESC for 33 years, retiring as Assistant Director of Research in 1984.
Dad had an endless curiosity about the world and was always developing new interests. He loved music of most kinds, reading of all kinds, and lived for football season. He enjoyed working on home improvement projects, writing about his life experiences, painting in oils and pastels, and became the family chef after retiring. He was a great story teller and joke deliverer, and could talk to anybody about anything. He loved meeting people and sharing life stories, and everyone who met him enjoyed their time with him. He was a loving, selfless and devoted husband and father, proud grandfather, and just a really neat guy.
He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, daughters Diane Heath and Cindy Garrison, son-in-law Jerry Heath, and cherished granddaughter Alicia Heath. His family would like to thank the staff at Morningside Assisted Living for their loving compassion and care during his last months. They would also like to thank Heartland Hospice for attending to him.
A graveside service will be held Monday, April 6, 2015, 2pm at Wake Memorial Park, 7002 Green Hope School Road, Cary, NC. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5