Thomas "Tom" Robert Garrison

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Visitation Schedule
First Presbyterian Church
220 Arbor Drive
Harrison, AR  72601
Thursday, February 15, 2018
1:00 to 2:00 PM
Service Schedule
First Presbyterian Church
220 N Arbor Dr
Harrison, AR  72601
Thursday, February 15, 2018
2:00 PM
Cemetery
Maplewood Cemetery
Maplewood Road
Harrison, AR  72601
Thomas "Tom" Robert Garrison

of Fayetteville, AR

February 26, 1960 - February 11, 2018

Thomas Robert (Tom) Garrison, age 57, passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, February 11, 2018. Tom was born February 26, 1960, in Harrison, Arkansas, the son of Sheridan and Jo Ann Garrison. He was the third oldest of four boys. Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, Daniel A. Garrison and David Garrison; his parents; and his cousin, Ben Frank Garrison.

Tom graduated from Harrison High School, and went on to attend the University of Arkansas where he obtained an accounting degree. He maintained a strong work ethic throughout school which carried with him as he began his first job at Garrison Motor Freight. He worked with his father, Sheridan, in many capacities. Tom helped his father grow the business into a small Harrison company called Arkansas Freightways, and into a large multi-state company. Arkansas Freightways continued to grow which led to it becoming a publicly traded company and later changed its name to American Freightways. Eventually, Tom became president of the company and later assisted his father with the sale of American Freightways to FedEx in 2002. Tom continued as an officer of FedEx Freight East in Harrison. After his career in trucking, Tom moved to Fayetteville to be closer to his daughter, son-in-law, and his four grandchildren. In Fayetteville, he acquired a financial advisory firm, growing Garrison Financial Advisors into a large asset management firm. Additionally, Tom was active in real estate in the northwest Arkansas region and helped start Pinnacle Bancshares.

Tom had a soft heart and a hearty laugh. He inherited some of his father's history as a practical joker with a witty sense of humor. He was an avid boy scout and eagle scout growing up. He also loved his farm, raising cattle and chickens, hiking and floating and being outdoors, watching Andy Griffin marathons, and of course enjoying his four grandchildren whom he loved and cared for deeply. He never met a stranger, was a kind and gentle soul, and had a fierce love for his Razorbacks. He also loved to attend Sunday morning worship services with his family at Fellowship Fayetteville.

Tom had a generous heart and spirit, working with numerous charitable organizations including the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, the Arkansas Sheriff's Youth Ranch, the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, and many other organizations in his hometown of Harrison. Through his service on several charitable boards and through his family foundation, Tom touched numerous lives in areas such as education opportunities through scholarships, feeding the hungry, giving shelter to families in difficult situations and generally caring for others. Tom loved an underdog. He made friends everywhere he went, and was loved deeply by his family.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Sarah Garrison Bradley and her husband Darrick, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Brooklyn Anne Bradley, Lauren Reese Bradley, Rush Thomas Bradley and Bennett Todd Bradley; his brother, William A. Garrison, of Oregon City, Oregon; his niece, Lisa R. Garrison, of Colleyville, Texas; his nephew, David Garrison, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Natalie Garrison of Springdale; and two rambunctious dogs, Amira and Maddie, and two pot bellied pigs, Wilbur and Arnold.


Visitation was held prior to service. Funeral service was Thursday, February 15, 2018, at the First Presbyterian Church, Harrison, Rev. D. C. Adams officiating.

Private burial was in Maplewood Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 220 Arbor Drive, Harrison, AR 72601; Big Dog Rescue Project, 605 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville, AR 72701; Arkansas Sheriff's Youth Ranches, P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, AR 72503; or the Sheridan Garrison Foundation, 605 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville, AR 72701. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/harrison

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13 Condolence(s)
Scott Edwards
Olympia, WA
Liked
Saturday, July 29, 2023

I knew Tom Garrison during a time that he and his wife, Natalie, rented a house on Mountain Pine Drive, Harrison, AR to my former wife, Mescal, and I from 1999 to 2004. Tom was a kind and generous person and had a great sense of humor. He was always helpful and will always cherish and appreciate the time he opened up that country home for us. May God's peace and comforts continue to be with the Garrison family. God blesses you all, dear friends.

Ken Booth
Bentonville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Just learning of the passing of Tom Garrison and want to send condolences from Sand Creek Engineering. We did most all of Tom's work on projects in Benton County and very much enjoyed working with him and Darrick. Pray God's peace for all of the family.

Amber Andrews Thomas
Harrison, AR
Liked
Thursday, February 15, 2018

I am so saddened to hear about Tom. I helped him for a number of years with his benefits at AF & FXF and he was always so easy to work with. We all missed him when he retired.

I pray the family can find comfort during this sad time.

Maxine Shaver
Springdale, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

So sorry for your loss! My thoughts & prayers are with you! I worked at Arkansas Frtways, American Frtways, & FedEx.
Tom is a great lost!

JIMMY JONES
HARRISON, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

IT SADDENS ME DEEPLY TO LOSE SUCH A GREAT FRIEND AS TOM!! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU DURING THIS TIME!! HE WAS A ONE OF A KIND PERSON! HE AND I SHARED SOME FUN TIMES TOGETHER AND I WILL ALWAYS CHARISH THOSE MEMORYS!! I WISH I KNEW WHAT TO SAY TO EASE YOUR SORROW BUT I DONT!! ALL I CAN SAY IS IF YOU KNEW TOM YOU LOVED HIM HE WAS JUST GREAT SOUL!! I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS CONTAGOIUS LAUGH!!

Matt Cleveland
Batesville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

All of us at the Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches are saddened to hear about Tom's passing. He was a faithful board member for many years and has generously supported our mission to provide homes for some of Arkansas's most deserving children. He will be missed. From the entire ASYR family, we send our thoughts, love, and prayers to Tom's loved ones during this time.

Tom Reed
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

Tom Reed

Ann (Miller) Bailey
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was always such a nice man and he will missed by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Kitty Bonsteel-Maes
Rogers, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

My deepest sorrow is with each of you. Tom was a precious soul. He will be missed.

Jack and Pj Reynolds
Springfield, MO
Liked
Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Tom was a fine gentleman and will certainly be missed. Our deepest sympathy.

Deborah Fowler Merriman
Harrison, AR
Liked
Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Tom was a funny amazing person in high school I have not seen him in many years. But I remember his laugh his jokes and just being funny God bless his family. And rest in peace Tom. You were a wonderful classmate. You accomplished a lot in life. You will be missed.

Roy and Sherry Choate
Harrison, AR
Liked
Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Will, Natalie, and Sarah,
We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful, giving person and we are blessed to have known him.

Craig Lair
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Tom was a one of a kind. He will be missed.