Wayne Garrison

Merle W. Garrison, "Wayne", on March 19, 2023, formerly of Glendora. Age 76. Beloved husband of the love of his life, the late Mary Garrison of 51 years. Devoted brother-in-law of Teresa V. Giorgi (Gino), Michael Verchio (Katharine), and Rocco Verchio. Loving uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Dear son of the late Merle B. and Laura Garrison.
Wayne proudly served with the US Army during Vietnam. He joined the service at the age of 20 and was a part of the 71st Artillery. His specialty was automatic weapons: self-propelled 50 caliber machine guns and sharp shooting. He participated in two major operations early on in his tour, Cedar Falls and Junction City War Zone C. He was injured when his truck hit a landmine. Wayne was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the South Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation Medal. He was given an Honorable Discharge in 1968 with the rank of Sergeant. Wayne was a huge history buff. He also enjoyed paleontology, the history of Colonel Custer, and World War II. Wayne loved to travel and toured extensively with his wife Mary, who he affectionately called "Babe". They visited 46 US States together, with the Western part of the US being his favorite. He was a big fan of "The King" - Elvis Presley.
Family and friends are invited to the viewing from 9am to 10:30am on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral service 10:30am at the funeral home. Interment New St. Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne's memory to the VA Memorial Home, 524 North West Boulevard, Vineland, NJ 08360.