Raymond “Ray” Earl Garrison

Raymond "Ray" Earl Garrison, age 67, of Greenville, Tennessee, passed away the afternoon of Friday, July 3, 2026, at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was born on Saturday, August 2, 1958, in Greenfield, Ohio, to parents Harold Ellis Garrison and Nancy Juanita (Fent) Garrison.

Ray attended McClain High School and was a 1977 graduate. He attended Southern State Community College, where he obtained an associate degree in applied science. He was formerly employed at Collins Meat Packing in Greenfield, Ohio; Airborne Express in Wilmington, Ohio; and Security at Candlelight in Leesburg, Ohio, before becoming permanently disabled. In his earlier years he worked as an EMT for the Greenfield Area Life Squad. He loved tinkering with all kinds of things his entire life. He would take something apart just to learn how to put it back together again. He loved CB radios and went by the handle of “Pluto” years ago. He liked playing with his RC car and racing it around parking lots. He enjoyed going to watch the stock cars at Volunteer Speedway, in Bulls Gap, Tennessee. Ray was a phenomenal self-taught guitarist. He could play anything you asked him to play. He was in a traveling band with friends for a few years, where they played in the local bars for fun. Ray was a music lover, and he would often have long conversations about the meaning of the lyrics and songs and what they meant. He studied the Bible and enjoyed quizzing random strangers who would knock on the door of his home about the Bible, at times inviting them in for discussions. Ray loved all animals, and they loved him too, especially his cats; he had 11 of them! He had several aquariums at one time and even owned a piranha. Ray sometimes referred to himself as the "black sheep brother" and lived life on his own terms; he could be stubborn at times and lived life his way. He was loved by so many and will be missed immensely. 

In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his partner of over 16 years, Agnes “Aggie” Bailey, who he loved with all of his heart. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Harold Eugene “Gene” Garrison, and nieces Teresa Kellis, Pixie Garrison, and Molly Collette. 

Ray is survived by brothers James “Jim” (Stephanie) Garrison of Alexandria, Virginia; Norman (Megan) Garrison of Dublin, Ohio; and sister Lori (Roger) Liming of Shirley, Indiana. 

Children: Melissa (James) West, Raymond Garrison, Jr., Brandon Garrison, Skyler Garrison, and the son he chose as his own, Wayne (Laura) Bailey of Greenville, Tennessee. Grandchildren: Kimberly Madison Lynn Epperly, Breanna Dawn Salyers, Kyle Scott, Aelexus Garrison, Ravin Garrison, Reagan Bailey and Rowan Bailey. 

Ray is also survived by his Tennessee family; Brenda and Larry Lawson of Mohawk, Tennessee; Timmy and Michelle Ragon of Greenville, Tennessee; Billie and Ricky Trentham of Greenville, Tennessee; Bridget Morgan of Greenville, Tennessee; Mary and Jason Ricker of Greenville, Tennessee; and Rocky and Vessica Ragon of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Also mourning the loss of Ray are nephews, Terry (Sheila) Garrison, Jay Kellis, John (Laura) Garrison, Marshall (Frances) Garrison, Billy (Trisha) Garrison, nieces, Becky (Ben) Ianotta. Lyndsey (Eric) Liming, Addie Liming, Laela Luckhaupt, Olivia (Kadin) Shultz, Amelia Garrison and Alex Garrison 

Ray is also survived by many great nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as many other family members and friends.

Cremation has been accorded.

The family is having a celebration of life on  August 2nd from 2:00 pm -5:00 pm which is Ray’s birthday.  If you would like to bring a covered dish to share, that would be greatly appreciated. If not, just come share some memories and stories about Ray. Ray loved music!! Wear a music t-shirt if you have one!!!

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