Billy Joe "Bill" Garrison

Billy Joe "Bill" Garrison passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Bill was 91 years old.
Bill was born November 21, 1933 to Sarah Mae Chandler and Charles Ervin Garrison in Springfield, Missouri. He was the youngest of 7 children.
He is survived by his devoted wife Kriste Monsour Garrison of 29 years; sons William Garrison of Galveston, Mark Garrison and wife Heather of San Antonio, Timothy Garrison of Springfield, Missouri; daughter, Deann Garrison of Springfield, Missouri; and two granddaughters Shayla and Fiona Garrison of San Antonio.
Bill is also survived by his brother Robert Garrison and wife Claudia of Springfield, Missouri and many nieces and nephews.
He attended Draughons Business College in Springfield, Missouri, Southwest Missouri State where he received his BS in Business and Oklahoma City University where he received his Masters in Securities Management.
Bill served in the Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-1955 as a B-29 Pilot stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
Bill started working for American National Insurance Company in Springfield, Missouri in 1956. He ascended rapidly through the ranks and was one of the few people in the history of the company that served in all management positions. Bill diligently worked for ANICO for 57 years as Agent, Sales Manager, Regional Representative, District Manager, Regional Director, Senior Vice President, Director of Home Service Division, Executive Vice President and Director of Career Sales and Service Division. Bill also organized and established American National Insurance Company in Monterey, Mexico called ANMEX and was President of the company.
He served on many committees throughout the years; Boys Club of Springfield, Special Olympics in Oklahoma City, United Way in Oklahoma City and Galveston, Chamber of Commerce in Oklahoma City and Galveston, American National Insurance Company's Executive Committee, Interest Setting Committee, Product Committee, Internal Audit Committee and Benefits Committee, the LIC (Life Insurance Council) Board of Directors and on the LIMRA (Life Insurance Management Research Association) Executive Committee.
Bill earned the respect and affection of many of his fellow employees and peers in the insurance industry due to his consistent leadership, his amazing achievements and certainly because of his sense of humor. He was deeply loyal to American National his entire career. He was one of a kind and very special to those who knew him and worked with him. Bill retired from American National Insurance Company in 2012.
His family extends their heartfelt thanks to Bill's wonderful doctors and caregivers: Dr. Brent Masel, Dr. Brent Kelly, Dr. George Carayannopoulos, Dr. Hani Jneid, Dr. Jeremy Carter, Dr. Matt Talbott, Dr. Elizabeth Jaramillo, Dr. Jim Grant, Dr. Loretta Grumbles, Bristol Hospice, Kevin Ozan, Diane Linsicombe and Ethel Luster for their exceptional care.
A Graveside Service will be held 1:00pm Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Trinity Episcopal Church Columbarium, Reverend Jimmy Abbot officiating.
Honorary pallbearers are George Williamson, Irwin "Buddy" Herz, Michael B. Hughes, Tony Brown, Archie Hart, Neil Nathan, Robert Moody, Jr., Robert Platte and Ron Gwin.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Trinity Episcopal Church 2216 Ball in Galveston, Texas 77550 or any charity of your choice.