Arthur Wayne Garrison

Arthur Wayne Garrison died October 19, 2024, at the age of 90. He was predeceased by his parents, Preston Maxwell Garrison and Lois Lillian Walker Garrison, both of whom died in 1991, and a brother, Preston Walker Garrison, who died in 2001. Wayne, as he was known, was born in Greenville, SC, but within a year moved to Taylors, SC, area and spent the remainder of his boyhood in nearby rural areas. He graduated from Taylors High School in 1952 and from the Citadel with a BS in Chemistry in 1956. Wayne earned an MS in Chemistry in 1958 from Clemson University and then spent two years as an officer in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps at Aberdeen, MD. He returned to academia and earned a PhD in Chemistry from Emory University in 1966. Almost all of Wayne's professional career was spent as a research chemist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Athens, GA, where he worked for 53 years. Upon retirement he received the EPA Distinguished Career Award. Wayne loved his profession; he had wanted to be a chemist since the eighth grade.
Wayne married Frances Elaine Mullins of Mansfield, GA in 1978; upon their marriage they moved to Bostwick, GA and have resided there since. They have three children: Christina Kaye of Demorest, GA, Jennifer Claire Bloodgood (Matt) of Cortland, NY, and Christopher Maxwell of Bostwick. Wayne has two children from a previous marriage: Arthur Wayne Jr (Laura) and Bonnie Leigh Condon (Chris). Wayne has three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
All five of Wayne's children survived him and have led exemplary, useful, and interesting lives. Wayne was a special companion of his beloved son Chris. His wife, Frances, was a good and loving wife throughout their marriage and an effective caregiver as he advanced in age.
Wayne was not an evangelical Christian in the traditional sense but was a firm believer in Christ and His mission of respect and service to his fellowman. Wayne was an eternal optimist and left us with hope for himself and faith for a continually improving world.
The burial will take place at Georgia National Cemetery. Wayne will be buried in an Eritrean ceremonial gown presented to him by a colleague. And, for those that knew him – yes, he has his shoes.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your charity of choice or to:
Watkinsville UMC Men's Group - 1331 New High Shoals Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Camp Twin Lakes – 1391 Keencheefoonee Rd, Rutledge, GA 30663
Canopy Studios Outreach Program – 160-6 Tracy St, Athens, GA 30601
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