John "JT" Thomas Garrison Jr.'s Obituary
J.T (Nubber) Garrison
March 9, 1932- October 18, 2020
J.T. (Nubber) Garrison, peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, October 18, 2020, at the age of 88 with his loving wife and daughter by his side. He battled cancer with strength and dignity until the very end.
J.T. was born on March 9, 1932 in Dallas, Texas to John and Faye (Leach) Garrison. J.T. was a descendant of early settlers of Pleasant Valley and Rowlett, Texas. He spent his early years growing up in Rowlett.
J.T. graduated from Garland High School in 1950. He dearly loved his Garland Owls and cherished his time with classmates, staying in close contact with most of them for the past 70 plus years. J.T. loved sports and was a tackle on the football team, earning the honor of being selected to the Dallas Morning News 1st Team All District as tackle for the 1949 football season. He was a three-year letterman, helping lead the Owls to the semi-finals in the 1949 State Playoffs. Besides playing football, J.T. was third baseman of the Owl baseball team and was a member of the FFA. He was named All GHS in 1950.
J.T. earned several college scholarships landing at Austin College for a short period of time, only to return home to volunteer for enlistment in the United States Army during the Korean War. He served stateside in classified intelligence under the direction of the Generals at Fort Sill. After his military service, J.T. returned home to Garland and returned to work at J. Y. Taylor Manufacturing Company as a Supervisor for 47 years.
J.T. was a softball/baseball umpire for 35 years. He, along with Bill Reagan, established the Garland Umpires Association. He also was a USSSA Tournament umpire, calling games in Texas and surrounding states. He was a Mason in the Garland Chapter in the 1960’s and 70’s, where he organized and lead the Garland DeMolay.
On March 25, 1960, J.T. married the love of his life, Joan Lefler. Together they welcomed their daughter, Melanie, to their new family in 1961.
J.T. was a hardworking, devoted family man, who loved his Lord. He loved animals, traveling (especially to Hawaii where he made 8 trips), sports and being with his family.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, younger brother Donald Garrison and sister-in-law Patti Garrison. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan; daughter Melanie Ferrell and son-in-law Lee of Rowlett; Grandson, Hunter Ferrell of Rowlett; nephew, Randy Garrison and wife Susan of Campbell, Texas; niece, Julie Burns of Lake Genieva, Wisconsin. Along with many cousins and great nieces and nephews.
The Family of Mr. Garrison would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff and owners of Autumn Woods Hospice for their love and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA of Dallas.
For those who are unable to attend the service, please visit the link for Live Streaming below:
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/39134
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