Bobby Joe Garrison

Bobby Garrison, born November 9, 1931, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 25, 2015 after complications suffered from a stroke. Bobby was born in the small community of Paris, Texas to Vollie and Allie Garrison, and was the second of seven children.He maintained a tremendous closeness to his brothers and sisters for all the years of his life.Although living in different cities, there was never a week that went by that he did not inquire about the well-being of his siblings. The bond formed 83 years ago among the Garrison siblings will continue for many generations to come. Born into humble beginnings during the depression years, he cherished the years served with the US Army during the Korean War.Bobby’s service allowed him to see much of the United States and countries overseas, and filled him with a sense of duty, pride and importance.He never lost that proud confidence and treasured the memories of serving his country and being a Veteran. Even in his later years, Bobby would often share the many stories he recalled from the Korean War. No one, including his physicians, was exempt from these cherished memories.It was not until his elder years that Bobby’s daughters realized what an important role his time served as a Veteran contributed to shaping his demeanor; and while quiet in character, that courage and valiant spirit was exceedingly present during the years of his illness, most especially during the final days God gave him with his family. Bobby loved the Lord, his family and his country, but another precious love was those of the beloved dogs he owned over the years. We often wondered who was more blessed, himself, or those much-loved pets.His daughters always believed this unconditional love he shared with his animals were his way of privately mourning the loss of his beloved mother who passed when he was just a child. Bobby is survived by his daughters and their families: Teresa Cauthen and grandchildren Brendan Cauthen, Britany Lopez and her husband John Lopez; Daughter Tina Gunderson and grandchildren Lauren Gunderson and Forrest Gunderson.He had seven great-grandchildren, Trina and Trae Lopez, Alexus, Brianna, Christian, Elijah and Isaiah.Bobby helped in raising Brendan and Britany and while by birth they were his grandchildren, in his heart they were more his own son and daughter. Bobby is also survived by one brother, Jerry Garrison and spouse Cora Mae; and sisters, Theda Owens and spouse James Owens, Vella Risinger and spouse Billy Risinger, Linda Whitaker and spouse Jim Whitaker. His survivors also include numerous nieces and nephews. And he is also survived by his beloved dogs, Coco and Elvis. Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife of fifty years, Mildred Louise Barnes Garrison; infant grandsons, Jared Cauthen and Garrison Tyler Gunderson; son-in-law Rick Gunderson; brother Dwayne Garrison; sister Jurene Armstrong, and parents, Vollie and Allie Garrison. A special thank you is given to his daughter Teresa Cauthen who lovingly cared for him for the twelve years of his illness, allowing him to be home with his beloved family and pets. His presence will forever be missed. Services will be Wednesday July 29, 2015 at 1 pm at New Hope Funeral Home.Visitation will be held the hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Lake Creek Cemetery in Lake Creek, Texas.