Eddie Harold Garrison

Harold was born in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, on May 20, 1930, to a large and loving family, who later moved to Fresno, California. He attended Washington Union High School and years later took night school classes to earn his high school diploma from Roosevelt High School. Harold later furthered his education by earning an AA degree from Fresno City College. Throughout his career, Harold worked as a supervisor at Berven Rug Mills until he retired, and then continued his professional journey at Zacky Farms, retiring from there as well.

Harold was married to his loving wife Betty for 58 years. Together, they raised their children and cherished the time spent with their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. In his personal life, Harold enjoyed gardening, crafting, and working with his hands, especially when using them to play his guitar. He also loved playing and watching golf and had a deep appreciation and love for country western music. Of course, Harold loved and cherished the time spent with his family too.

Harold was predeceased by his parents, Pete and Elsie Garrison, his wife, Betty Garrison, and 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Harold is survived by his brother, Alfred Garrison, and his sister, Lula Combs. He leaves behind his children: Joyce Knight and spouse Ricky, Bill Garrison and spouse Darlene, Debby Brooks and spouse Don, Rosie Ice and spouse Clay, and Francine Parmelee and spouse Perry. He is also remembered by his 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Harold wrote the following speech for an assignment in college. The subject is fitting, so his family would like to share his thoughts.

"One week ago today, a friend of mine who seemed to be reasonably healthy passed away, and that night while sitting in this classroom I noticed a sign over near the door with the word time. It was the only word that I could read from my seat, but it put me to thinking about time.

What is time? Well, for my friend it was something that he had but just ran out of. But time is something which we don’t really know just exactly how much or how little we really do have. But we do know that whatever the amount we possess, we’re using it up at the rate of 24 hours every day. Most of us here tonight may not realize it, but we’re half dead right now. That’s right, we have used up at least 50% of that valuable time.

And some of us haven’t found real happiness yet; we just haven’t taken the time to think about it, or we haven’t taken the time to do anything about it. And yet, we’re all guilty of wasting time. If you’re not spending your time to make yourself and your loved ones happy, then in my estimation, you’re wasting your time.

Just what is time? Well, it’s something that God gave us to use. Not to keep forever, but to use in any way that we may choose. But we should remember that He has the right to take it away from us any time that he chooses. So whatever time means to you, and however you choose to use it, I think we all should realize that we just don’t have enough to be wasteful."

Harold's family would like to extend their thanks to everyone who has reached out to offer their love and support during this time. He will be remembered fondly by all who had the honor of knowing and loving him.