Graveside services with military honors for Clarence Garrison, age 85, of Abilene, were held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, in the Jordan Springs Cemetery. The funeral procession left the cemetery from Heartland Funeral Home at 10:30 A.M. A memorial service was held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Belmont Baptist Church, 2113 Palm St, Abilene.

Clarence Grover Garrison, husband of Evelyn June and father of Clarice Ann, died at home on Friday, November 23, 2012. He was born in Glasscock County on March 5, 1921.

Clarence was 16 years old when he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on July 4, 1943. He boarded the APA 12 USS Leonard Wood in September, 1943. He participated in these landings in the Pacific theater; September, 1944 at Pelelieu; November, 1943 at the Gilbert Islands; January-February, 1944 at the Marshall Islands; June, 1944 at the Marianas and Saipan; October, 1944 at Leyte; and January, 1945 at Lingayen Gulf and Mindora. He received an honorable discharge on March 26, 1946, with the rank of Carpenter’s Mate, First Class.

He was a boot maker and shoe repairman, and owned shops in San Saba and Abilene.

He was a sports official from 1958 to 1988 with a reputation for fairness and above all, honesty. As significant as this account has been, he was first and always a believer in Jesus Christ since he and his wife, June made a profession of faith in April, 1954, San Saba. He went to church every time the doors opened. He served as chairman of the deacons at Belmont until this past August when his health prevented him from ever going to church again. It broke his heart. He testified that when he returned home after the war, he knew "Someone had protected him." Despite his lack of formal education, his scholarship about the Bible impressed all who were fortunate to call him friend and teacher.

Clarence was preceded in death by a son, his parents, two brothers, and a sister. His is survived by his brother Steve of Sherman, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Belmont Baptist Church, the Salvation Army, or to Hospice of the Big Country.

You may view and sign the guestbook at

www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.