Gilbert “Gib” Ray Garrison

Gilbert “Gib” Ray Garrison, 86, of Nixa, passed away after a brief illness at Cox hospital with his family at his side on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2020. He was born June 27, 1934 in Boaz, the son of Melvin and Maggie (Crow) Garrison. Garrison was a lifelong resident of this area and attended school in Clever. He was always tall and at 6’4 excelled in playing basketball for Clever High School. Upon graduation he joined the Navy and proudly served his country from 1952-1955. On May 5, 1962, he was united in marriage to Barbara “Barb” Stapleton. In 1980 he decided he needed a job where he could attend to his wife, Barbara, who had diabetes and so they purchased a dairy farm. This enabled them to be together, and for the next 17 years they continued in the dairy business. After leaving the dairy industry, and never one to stay idle, Gib earned his realtor license and sold real estate until retiring in 2008. Garrison was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Garrison, his parents and six siblings. Garrison is survived by his wife Dorothy Stephens, three children, Lisa and husband Thomas Laskaris; Shelley and husband Eric Rozean; Darren and wife Kelly Garrison; 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Meadors Funeral Home, Clever. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. Burial will follow in the Brookline Cemetery, Brookline.