Ross Garrison

Dr. Ross A “Pop” Garrison, 85, of Thomasville, GA, formerly of Greenwood, widower of Olly Olynyk Garrison, passed away Monday, April 18, 2016 at his residence. He was born to the late Norman and Maude Clark Garrison on March 16, 1931 in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada. Ross received his commission as an Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1951. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta in 1952 and his PHD in Chemistry from McGill University in 1960. On September 8, 1954 he married the love of his life Olly Garrison, who preceded him in death. Ross and Olly were avid sports car enthusiasts who participated in several cross country rallies over the years, driving for the VW of Germany team. Together they also enjoyed wide range of activities which include snow skiing, tennis and square dancing. They were members of Toast Masters International where Ross received honors as Competent Leader and Advanced Toast Master Silver. While in Greenwood he also served as a Guardian Ad litem. After moving to Thomasville, he continued as an active member of the Rose City Toast Masters, a member of Silver Sneakers, and attended classes at Thomas University. He was an active member of the Thomasville First United Methodist Church and the Sue McTier Sunday School class. Ross was an avid supporter of TCCHS Yellow Jacket Baseball. Over the years, Ross was employed as a college professor, a chemist for Exxon, Johnson & Johnson and Parke Davis. Later in life he owned and operated a heating and refrigeration company, Thermco, Inc. He is survived by his children Janet-Lynn (Derrick) Ogletree of Thomasville, GA and Diane (David) Jackson of Greer, SC. His grandchildren Courtney Ogletree, C. Carlton Ogletree, Connor Jackson and Kiefer Jackson. His siblings include his twin brother Phillip (late, Marie) Garrison of Quebec, Daphne (Ken) Richey of Alberta, Margaret (late, William) Storey of British Columbia, Betty (John) Beaven of British Columbia and Marilyn (Mark) Scheuerman of Ontario, his sister in law Connie Olynyk of Alberta, brother-in-law Len Tocher of Manitoba, Canada and Aunt Clara Garrison of Edmonton. He has twenty-four nieces and nephews and an honorary granddaughter Kendall Salter and special friend Ruth Norman. His sister Lelah Tocher preceded him in death. The family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Oakbrook Memorial Park, Greenwood, with graveside services following at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Olly and Ross Garrison Memorial Scholarship Fund, Piedmont Technical College, 620 Emerald Rd. N, Greenwood, SC 29646 or Thomasville First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, Attn. Floyd White, P.O. Box 975, Thomasville, GA 31799.

Ross Garrison

March 16, 1931 - April 18, 2016

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