Richard Earl "Dick" Garrison

Richard "Dick" Garrison, 89, of Stone Mountain, GA passed peacefully into eternal life in his home on April 17, 2024, surrounded by his family. The loving husband of Greta "Boo" Garrison, sharing 67 years of marriage.
The second of 2 children, Dick was born on May 4,1934 in Corning, Ohio, to the late Clarence "Gary" and Helen "Hap" Garrison. His early years were spent attending school, playing basketball, and helping his parents with the family-owned hardware store in downtown Corning. After graduating from Corning High School, he continued with his studies at Ohio University where he also made a name for himself playing basketball for OU. During his time at OU, the Ohio Bobcats basketball team had a record 1954/1955 season finishing 3rd in the Mid-American Conference with Dick becoming the second highest scoring player with 312 points, 91 field goals and 130 free throws made. Music was also an important part of his education, studying voice and trumpet and attending a summer semester at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. And
of course, golf was always a part of his youth, earning him a place on the OU golf team. After college, Dick joined the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant, flying the F-86 fighter jet and becoming an instructor at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama before leaving the service in 1960. During Dick and Boo's time in Alabama they welcomed their oldest daughter, Cynthia "Cyndi" and son, William "Wink" to the family.
Following the Air Force, the family moved to Maryland where they welcomed their youngest daughter, Lori. Settled in Maryland, Dick began his second career with Advertising Novelty Company, Inc., where he provided promotional products and advertising specialties to a variety of clients including many labor organizations headquartered in Washington DC. Dick was actively involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society during his years in the Washington DC area, coordinating many fundraising events resulting in millions of dollars being raised to help find a cure for the disease. He was also a dedicated football fan of the Washington Redskins football team. So much so he managed the Redskinette cheerleaders for many years taking them overseas to Thailand to perform. Additionally, he was a 33 Degree Mason, the highest honor reserved only for those who bring exceptional dedication and service to Freemasonry and the Shriners organization.
Dick and Boo also enjoyed many years boating on the Chesapeake Bay, becoming members of the Power Squadron and competing with their family in numerous navigation competitions. Dick and Boo continued to own and operate Advertising Novelty until his retirement in 2007 at which time they permanently moved to their home in Bonita Springs, FL spending their golden years, playing golf with friends and family. Dick was a scratch golfer, and you could often find him providing lessons to those he played with.
Dick will be remembered for his generosity, loyalty, and unwavering love and support for his family and close friends.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Boo Garrison, and 3 children, Cyndi Fulton of Atlanta, GA, Wink (Sandy) Garrison of Senoia, GA, and Lori (Russ) Werner of Spencerville, MD as well as 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren with a 6th on the way, sister-in-law Patricia Garrison, two nieces and his nephew. Dick was predeceased by his brother, Bill Garrison, and his son-in-law, Skip Fulton.
A celebration of life gathering will take place at Park Springs, 500 Springhouse Circle, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 on May 11, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., casual attire.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Skip Fulton High Risk Pancreas Cancer Fund at Piedmont Hospital, http://give.piedmont.org/skipfulton.
Online condolences may be left at www.billheadfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Home & Crematory Lilburn/Tucker Chapel. 770-564-2726