OBITUARY

Michael Ernest Garrison

July 13, 1943 – April 1, 2021
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Michael Ernest Garrison

Michael E. Garrison, known as Mike, Grandpa, Uncle, Cousin, Coach, “Dog” and probably too many other names we can’t print, was born July 13, 1943, in Paducah, Texas. We lost him in this world on April 1, 2021.

Raised most of his life in Dalhart, Texas, Mike graduated from Dalhart High School in 1961 as a member of the mighty Golden Wolves and his love of sports was born. Mike attended college at Northwestern Oklahoma State University where he was a proud member of the Rangers football team. He received his Master’s Degree at University of North Texas.

All who knew him agree the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweet bride, Cheryl Barber, in Dalhart, Texas in 1966. And while we knew he loved coaching, he would say that being a Dad, Husband and Grandpa was really his best role of all. He truly loved Cheryl and was a proud dad to Leslie Brooks, Jay Garrison and Jeffrey Garrison. But he loved his kids even more when they made him a Grandpa and Papa Mike. He burst with pride over Jayli, Baylie, Jayce, Kaitlyn, Jaxson and Luke. He became their favorite Coach and they were his biggest joy.

He began his coaching and teaching career in Central Junior High and Trinity High School in Euless and then made coaching stops in Liberal, Kansas, Kermit, Spearman, Plainview, Friona, Odessa, Midland Lee, Abilene Cooper, Willis, Humble, Lubbock Monterrey, Euless Trinity, Kingwood and Willis. The other coaches became family, life-long friendships were built and he remembered every single player he ever coached. Mike’s legacy as a Coach and mentor will remain as a special award is given to an outstanding football player each year in his name at Willis High School.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Vera Garrison. He is survived by his wife Cheryl Garrison, daughter Leslie Brooks of Montgomery, sons Jay and wife Kristi Garrison of Willis and Jeff Garrison of Lewisville. Grandchildren Jayli Garrison and Jayce Garrison of Willis, Baylie and Kaitlyn Brooks of Montgomery and Jaxson and Luke of Aubrey, Texas. And he was a giant to several cousins, precious in-laws and a posse of nieces and nephews that he lovingly harassed on a regular basis.

Mike was a magnet for friendships. He kept in close touch with his College Football Teammates, his large Coaching Family, his Buffalo Wild Wings Bunch, his rowdy golf groups in Bedford and Willis and his Highland Hills neighborhood Crew. He had an abundance of former and current athletes who were positively impacted by his wisdom. And if you were in his life, in any capacity, you were the recipient of a nickname, whether you knew it or not.

Mike loved his family and friends, he loved sports and he loved playing golf. Going to the beach in Galveston was his happy place. Football was his passion and anytime he was on the field…as a player, coach, teacher, Dad or as a Grandpa, he was in heaven.

He leaves a gaping hole in our hearts, but we find comfort that he is now truly in heaven with those he loves. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to either the First Presbyterian Church, 2727 SH-336 Loop, Conroe, Texas 77304, who provided him such comfort or to one of your favorite local sporting organizations that exemplifies his lifelong love of sports and youth education.

  • FAMILY

  • Cheryl Garrison, Loving Wife
  • Leslie Brooks, Daughter
  • Jay and wife Kristi Garrison, Son and Daughter-in-law
  • Jeff Garrison, Son
  • Jayli Garrison, Grandchild
  • Jayce Garrison, Grandchild
  • Baylie Brooks, Grandchild
  • Kaitlyn Brooks, Grandchild
  • Jaxson Spina, Grandchild
  • Luke Garrison, Grandchild
  • Clyde and Vera Garrison, Parents (deceased)
  • Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and a host of friends.
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    Friday, April 9, 2021

  • Celebration of Life

    Saturday, April 10, 2021

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Michael Ernest Garrison

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Wade Labay

April 9, 2021

Coach Garrison and his many coaching stories will live in my memory forever. As a young coach at Trinity back in the day, I looked forward to Dog showing up in the office and adding his wit and wisdom to whatever was going on. We didn’t care if even half of what he told us was true. He always lightened the mood and made our day. I cherish the memories with him and am so thankful to have known him and gotten to coach his son Jeff in track.

Love you, Dog! Can’t wait to see you again some day and see how much you add to your crazy stories.

Darrell Caldwell

April 8, 2021

Prayers to all his family... i was fortunate to be at Central Junior High when Coach Garrison started his coaching career. He and Coach Curtis along with my friend, B J Murray principal were all amazing people and big influences on an 8th grade athlete... he will always be remembered fondly by all he coached... especially me! Darrell Caldwell L D Bell Class 1970...

Russ Webb

April 8, 2021

Coach Garrison was my head coach at Abilene Cooper in 1985 he cared about his players, was funny, and made us all better men! My prayers go out to the entire Garrison family! He will be missed by many! I hope he and Coach Winder and others have reunited with good laughs and hugs! Gods Speed Dog!

Mildred Adair

April 8, 2021

Cheryl, I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know how much you will miss him but what wonderful memories you all have! Mike was larger than life! May God be with you all. Mildred Adair

Chris Cromley

April 8, 2021

Coach Garrison was an amazing coach and father not only to his immediate family but to every person that was lucky enough to meet him. I had the privilege to play football for him at Abilene Cooper in 84 & 85 and the memories he provided to all of us have lasted a lifetime. There were many times that Coach Garrison would scream my name in front of everyone and tell me what I did wrong, but there were even more times when nobody was watching, that he would put those Popeye arms around me and tell me what I was doing correctly and how to get even better. Whether he called you a Mullet Head, or told you to suck it up and blow a big ol snot bubble, you knew he loved you and the feeling was mutual. R.I.P. Coach

David Garxs

April 8, 2021

Had the pleasure of playing football for Coach Garrison. He was a great motivator and teacher. I have nothing but great memories with this man. He will be greatly missed by all.

Gwyn Sebadtian

April 7, 2021


Wildkats Never Die💜
WHS 1987

Gwyn Sebastian

April 7, 2021

Willis became a better town when the Garrison family moved here. Working with Leslie at 7 Coves I had the honor of getting to know the family. Proud of my nickname “Get down Willis Wildkat” and being a former cheerleader known as and “athletic supporter.” I love Coach💜 His 50th birthday in Dallas was the best!! I loved his heart I loved his humor most of all . I love how he cared about so many of his athletes and people that surrounded him. He was a great storyteller. His jokes and stories from his past would bring you to tears of laughter. He was devoted he was loving and just all around a great man that would do anything for anyone. We are all blessed by your love💜💜💜

Scott Caywood

April 7, 2021

Knew Coach Garrison at Odessa High School from 1977,78, and 79. He had a penchant for nicknames and quips which just made playing football that much more fun. As a motivator he was phenomenal and everyone benefited from his devotion, and passion for the game. I feel blessed to have been on a team that he was part of. He will be missed.
Scott Caywood

Gordon Tindol

April 7, 2021

Coach Garrison was my favorite baseball coach. He was a great motivator and expected the best from you. I wish I could repeat some of his sayings but probably not appropriate for everyone. Sorry for your loss. He was a great man!

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

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