Levi Saxton Garrison Jr. was born on Christmas Eve 1942. He passed away on June 8, 2023.
He was the son of Levi Saxton Garrison, Sr and Lula Mae Ray Garrison. He was the brother of Addie Briggs, who preceded him in death.
Saxton counted being married for 47 years to Priscilla Gaston Garrison, who survives him, as one of his life’s greatest accomplishments. He had numerous loves throughout his life–all with fur, mostly dogs but also a raccoon named Gary. All dogs considered him the best human to walk the planet.
He showed love by cooking pounds and pounds of green beans every Thanksgiving. Affectionately referred to as “Boo Beans”, the leftovers were often fought over. He learned to cook vegan food southern style so his grandkids could know the joy of cashaw pie.
Saxton loved desserts more than he thought he should and would eat an entire pie or cake in one evening….one drive-by bite at a time. A man’s man who found himself surrounded by girls.
He spent a lot of time making sure hairdryers and curling irons were unplugged. He imagined worst case scenarios and felt it his duty to shield his loved ones from these harms–whether that was wet leaves on the road, missing an airplane by not getting to the airport four hours in advance, or a fence not being “dog proof”.
He thought being in nature was as close to perfection as one could get. He was not a fan of cities, except New York. He believed in taking the scenic route. He did not believe in interstates or hotel reservations. He believed in telling stories, most true, to any ear that was available.
Mr. Garrison is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Pricilla Gaston Garrison; daughters: Melissa Benton and her husband, Tony, Meredith Norris and her husband, Charles, and Katie Garrison; grandchildren: Chase Tanner and his wife, Katie, Cole Benton, Julianna, Lydia, Jonah, Frances, and Walt; and great grandchildren: Aubree, Emma, and Brody. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
Services to celebrate his life will be held, Monday, June 12, 2023, at 12:00 PM, at Second Avenue Methodist Church.
Mr. Garrison’s remains will be inurned at the Georgia National Cemetery at a later date.
Flowers are graciously accepted; however, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his memory at www.stjude.org/donate.
The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Levi Garrison, Jr.
