Paul B. Garrison II
Paul Byon Garrison II, 85, of New Concord, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, with his daughter at his side, in the care of Genesis Hospice’s Morrison House. He was up early, as was his preference throughout life.
Paul was born on October 17, 1940, son of the late Paul B. and LaDona (Hale) Garrison of Pittsburgh, Penna.
A storyteller by nature, Paul would describe any topic in great detail, from the impressive pep rallies at Collinwood High School in Cleveland (white and blue-striped lights streaming across the ceiling) to the showers in the basements of tiny, rural banks that he would visit as a federal bank examiner (there so that employees could rinse any gold dust before leaving work). He enjoyed driving around on state routes, even after the construction of the interstate system. He always wanted a pickup truck, and he finally got one in 2015.
In addition to being a bank examiner, he proctored tests with the Civil Service Commission, he showed off his excellent handwriting at the US Postal Service, and he worked locally in banks around Cambridge.
He was a supportive fan of his daughters, logging countless miles on trips to softball games and music performances. He always clapped specifically for the cheerleading squad at the end of high school ball games, and he would wrap the girls’ textbooks with paper grocery bags and glassine tape, so secure that they could’ve been mailed cross-country. He was also a fan of Cleveland sports teams, even the Browns, and he’d be quick to tell you that his aunt used to date Stan Musial.
He loved to read, and he held library cards in Muskingum, Guernsey, and Cuyahoga counties throughout his life. He quoted poetry, loved puns, and watched Jeopardy. He was curious about many topics, including martial arts, boats, world religions, ragtime music, and genealogy. He enjoyed walking around New Concord, watching old western movies, and having an occasional Iron City beer.
Most of all, he loved Cora Ann Smith, an English teacher at Buckeye Trail that he met in 1970. Together, they enjoyed traveling, including a honeymoon in New Orleans, a train trip across Canada with Cora’s dad, and several family vacations in Rockport, Mass.
He would like to give you some advice: always remember that you’re raising kids, not racing kids. And the proper technique for dancing The Twist is to imagine that you’re drying your back with a towel while putting out a cigarette with your toe.
Paul is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cora Ann, whom he married on December 27, 1975; his daughters, Erin Garrison (Jesse Goolsby) and Bethany Kelly (Kasey); his grandchildren, Adelaide and Elise; and his church family at New Concord UMC.
In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his dear older sister, Sara.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to WOUB or your local National Public Radio station.
Friends may visit with the family on Monday, April 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at New Concord United Methodist Church. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the church. Pastor Amy Vittorio will officiate the service. Paul will be laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Farus Funeral Home of New Concord.
www.farusfh.com
