Joe James Garrison

Joe James Garrison, 84, went to be with the Lord Oct. 11, 2014, at Walnut Grove Nursing and Rehab facility in Springdale, Ark. He was born Jan. 4, 1930, at Health, Ark., in Washington County, to William Enoch and Callie Elizabeth Allison Garrison. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Otha Fraley, Ollie Garrison; five brothers, an infant brother of the home, Oma, Basel, Waymon and B.J. Garrison; and several nephews and nieces. He is survived by his wife of 64 and-a-half years, Loretta Wilson Garrison; two sons, Dale (Martha) Garrison of Nashville, Tenn., Wayne (Pam) Garrison of Big Horn, Wyo.; one daughter, Teresa (Mike) Hinsch of Fayetteville, Ark; five grandchildren, Leslie (Mark) Janssen, Justin (Chandra) Garrison, all of Nashville, Tenn., Alexandra Garrison of New York City, Kiley Hinsch of Fayetteville, Ark., Baylee (Justin) Haworth of Springfield, Mo.; two great-grandchildren, Jolie and Garrison Janssen of Nashville, Tenn.; lots of nieces, nephews and many friends. Joe was a devoted family man. He loved his home, family and was blessed with wonderful memories until his illness. He loved to play checkers, dominoes, travel, and listen to good gospel and country singing. He joined the Army in 1947, the day he turned 17 and said, "I want to count every day," he served three years, five months and 18 days. Once he returned from the Army, he drove a Walt Keller concrete truck for 10 years in Wichita, Kan. Then returned home to Fayetteville, moved to the farm, had livestock and rental property. He loved the farm and retired in 1978. Once retired, he became a personal investor until his illness. He was very involved in church including, an ordained deacon, Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, usher and custodian. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for years. The family wants to express their special appreciation to his personal caregivers, Amber King, Charlotte Hugghins, Jaime Jennings, Ashlea Darling and Essie Avelar. Also, thank you to the staffs of Walnut Grove Nursing and Rehab facility, and Westwood Health and Rehab for the care they provided. Visitation will be at Nelson-Berrna Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct 14, from 5-7 p.m. in Fayetteville. Funeral services will be held at Buckner Baptist Church on Wyman Road in Fayetteville on Oct.15 at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Nickell Cemetery at Hazel Valley, Ark., with military honors. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 204 Executive Court, Suite 301, Little Rock, AR 72205. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.nelsonberna.com.