Phil Garrison, Jr., 87, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2020.
He was born to Phil Sr. and Madie Cain Garrison on December 24, 1932 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Phil attended Southern University where he played collegiate baseball before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1952. Upon his honorable discharge from the USAF, Phil moved to Los Angeles, California where he met his first wife, Virginia; together they had four children – Todd Andrew, Sally Elizabeth, Dawn Laura, and Phil III.
Phil and his family moved to Arizona in 1973 to complete his education. He received an Associate of Fine Arts in Voice Performance from Mesa Community College then attended Arizona State University. He worked for a variety of tech companies and defense contractors for the majority of his career. He retired from Talley Defense Systems in 1996 where he worked as a production fabrication supervisor.
After losing Virginia to cancer in 1988, Phil met then later married Eleanor (nee Sidor-Sheridan) in 1990. They enjoyed 30 years of marriage that was filled with travel, friends, laughter, and happiness.
Phil was a competitive judo player and coach who held the rank of second-degree black belt. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, serving as State President 2002-2003; was a 3-time Grand Aerie Ritual Champion – achieving a 100% score all three times; and was inducted into the Arizona State F.O.E. Hall of Fame in 2011. He loved Western movies and enjoyed his time as one of the gunfighters at Goldfield Ghost Town. Phil was best known for his love of singing. He enjoyed performing to crowds of any size and knew over 200 songs by memory. He was honored to have been chosen to perform the National Anthem at the Grand Canyon State Games, F.O.E. Grand Aerie Conventions, and Roadrunner Hockey games.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lovie Dee Henry, Carol Ann Garrison, and Yvonne Crockett; brother Alphonse Garrison; wife Virginia, and his sons.
Phil is survived by his loving wife Eleanor; daughters Sally Garrison (Faye Carey) of Tempe, AZ and Dawn Garrison-Warn (Rich) of Brick, NJ; brothers Kingsley Blaine Garrison of Hammond, LA and Binkley Joseph of Fort Washington, MA; special nephew Rodney Garrison (Staffany) of Pearland, TX; special “daughter” Tammy Gilbert of Tempe, AZ, and two sisters in-law, a brother in-law, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Services will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel located at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201 on October 8, 2020 beginning with a viewing at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m.; followed by a graveside blessing and reception. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks through the Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation
Always in our hearts.
Phil was an amazing man. I’m going to miss you. Both Ted and I love you like a dad RIP Phil until we met again. Love you Phil. Prayers to the family.
Sorry for your loss. I am going to miiss him as all of you are. He never called me by my name, it was always “sister-in-law”. Will see him again.
I will forever remember my hugs and cheek kisses. Go rest on that mountain.
May the love, light, accomplishments and warmth of your loved one envelope you often. May you hear his song in the birds and feel a whisper of his touch in the wind. May his drive and determination always propel you forward and may the thought of seeing him again bring joy to your heart.
My deepest condolences to my family. I am saddened by the loss of my dear cousin. Not only are we close cousins, but we were classmates and friends. Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to all❣
Phil & Eleanor have been incredible neighbors to us. Phil was always looking out for our family and home. Whether it was sitting with our scared babysitting daughter when we were gone or taking Lori to the Vet with the Dog when she was too upset to drive, Phil was always there for us with his warmth and great humor. A great man has moved on to the next chapter in his eternal existence.
Phil never had a bad word for anybody and when I would sing he say goodbye job. He will be greatly missed.Godbless RIP
I met Phil as a child; he was my sensei and the only man I ever allowed to call me “Tommy”. Arigato sensei.
We’ll miss you, Phil. Thank you for your kindness and humor, your strength and your beautiful voice. Our love and support to your family.
You were always so kind and encouraging to me. You had an aura about you that just filled the room. You saw me and I appreciated that. I’ve only met a few good, honorable men in my life and you were one of them.
He sounds like a wonderful man full of joy, honor, and heart. There is much to remember in a life so well lived. Sending you my hugs of comfort and celebration.
Phil was a wonderful man, a loving partner to my sweet aunt and a devoted father to his caring daughters. It was evident how much Phil loved and respected his family. Sally, you were and are an amazing daughter to him and Eleanor and I’m glad we are cousins! I hope time eases the pain of his loss for all of you.