Jewell Mervin Garrison

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, Jewell Mervin Garrison, who went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 18th at 94 years of age. “Papa” was blessed to have loved ones with him at various times throughout the week leading up to his passing.

Jewell was born on July 22nd, 1930, to the late Thomas Edward and Mattie Myrtle Garrison in Barren Plains, TN. Jewell was the last remaining child of 6 children.

Jewell began his young adulthood after enlisting in the Air Force in 1947 at the age of 17. He served for 6 years and during that time met the love of his life, Lois Timmons, in Chicago while visiting his brother, Jim. The two hit it off and were married in 1950 while he was still enlisted.

He completed his service in 1953, enrolled at the University of Tennessee, and graduated with a degree in accounting in 1956. He and Lois moved to Chicago the same year where he began his career in the public and private sector as an accountant. The couple moved to Charlotte, NC in 1969 after being hired at Family Dollar headquarters as a controller. He then rose to the title of Senior VP of Finance. He was fortunate to continue in various financial positions throughout his career.

Jewell had a passion for golf, whether it was playing or watching it. He loved all things University of Tennessee. And he had a deep love for his family. He had an easy smile and wonderful laugh and an incredible gift of wonder, often noticing and marveling at things that went unseen by others. He was so easy to love.

He attended Cokesbury UMC during his years in Charlotte.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Lois Timmons Garrison, and his grandson, Michael Garrison. He is survived by his son, Andrew (Pam) Garrison; son, Kenneth Garrison; son, Mitchell (Elaine) Garrison; and daughter, Julie (Tony) Griffin. He was blessed with 11 wonderful grandchildren, Michael, Kate, Mark, Megan, Evan, Samuel, Wyatt, Emily, Abbey, Ike and Moses as well as two beloved great-grandchildren, Frank and Wesley.

The service will be held on Friday, September 27th, 2024, beginning at 11:00 am at McEwen Funeral Home, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. Mint Hill, NC. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral at 10:00 am.

Following the service, Jewell will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road Mint Hill, NC 28227.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation designated for Arbor Acres, Resident Assistance Fund, 1240 Arbor Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104. We are eternally grateful to the nurses, CNAs, maintenance staff, housekeeping, and kitchen staff and all of the other amazing staff and volunteers that took such incredible care of our father during his stay at Arbor Acres. Your kindness and care going the extra mile to show him dignity and love did not go unnoticed.