Thurman Alexander “Buster” Garrison

Thurman Alexander “Buster” Garrison, 87, of Morganton, went to meet his Heavenly Father on Friday, January 30, 2015 at the Charles George VA Hospice Center in Asheville.
Mr. Garrison was born November 9, 1927 in Burke County to the late Roy Reid Garrison and Dorothy Ross Garrison. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Margaret Causby Garrison; a sister, Rosa Lee Garrison Dockery; a son-in-law, Robert O. Frye; and brothers-in-law, Dillion Barbee and Howard James.
Surviving are his children, Thomas Garrison and wife, Melodie, Christine G. Frye, Walter Garrison and wife, Edwina; Sandra G. Cooke and husband, David all of Morganton, NC. Also surviving him, are eight grandchildren, Tashia F. Little and husband, Jason, Jason Frye and wife, Andrea, Tyler Garrison and wife, Chasity, Teah G. Nile and husband , Joel, Stephanie C. Braswell and husband, Wesly, Steven Cooke and wife, Tiffany, Amanda G. Clarke, and Jessica Cooke; ten great-grandchildren, Emma Robinson, Mackenzie Cooke, Noah Nile, Jack Little, Ross Little, Jake Nile, Ava Garrison, Zain Frye, and twins, Aiden and Liam Cooke all of Morganton. In addition, he is survived by his sisters, Ruby G. James and Martha G. Barbee; brother-in-law, J.D. Dockery; and special friends, Millie and Darby McCatheren all of Morganton, NC.
He was a lifelong member of Burkemont Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon, and taught Sunday School for over 50 years. He served on the Board of Directors for Salem Fire & Rescue from 1978 until 1988. After graduating from Morganton High School, Buster enlisted in the US Army, serving during WWII serving in the Pacific. Upon his discharge, he worked in the construction industry, beginning with W. E. Dale, building churches, schools, a post office, and houses; and, at one time having his own construction business. In 1975, he began maintenance work with Western Carolina Center until his retirement in 1990. After his retirement, he operated a saw mill up until the age of 80.
Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, February 2, 2015 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Dr. David Mills, Rev. Eddy Bunton, Dr. Mark Pridgen and Dr. Darrell James officiating. Burial will follow in Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the N.C National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Fire and Rescue, 1315 Salem Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Hospice Fund, c/o Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.