James Junior Garrison

Mr. Junior Garrison, age 80, of Murray, Kentucky, left this world for Heaven, Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the home of Craig and Kary Rogers where he has resided for the past 16 months.
He was born on December 2, 1934 to the late Jim Henry Garrison and Dovie Scott Douglas. He retired in 2006 as a car dealer of over forty years in Murray, Kentucky, He was also a member of the Grace Baptist Church for 25 years where he was head usher, and was a member of the Kingdom Seekers Sunday school class. Financially, he supported several underprivileged children overseas for many years and kept their pictures in his office. He was also on the Board of Directors of the American Diabetes Association, and Larry Housner, chief executive officer honored him with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his generous support and commitment to improving the lives of almost 24 million American children and adults who are living with diabetes.
Already noted as the "Auto Racing Capital of the World", Indianapolis was given its first good look at drag racing on a peak level as the 1961 National Championship Drag Races came to Indianapolis Raceway Park. Junior Garrison's Wicked Willys, a 1957 Chevy-equipped Willys, a car Junior got from a junkyard, and transformed to a national champion, took the street Eliminator win. Garrison had earlier piloted his B Gasser to a class win with a 12.42, 112.60 and notched the victory with a 12.44 at 122.44. Garrison's win, his first National victory, was backed with the class top speed award. Junior was a National and World Champion Drag car racer. He raced for many years, and was featured in many Hot Rod magazines.
He is survived by three daughters, Kary Garrison Rogers and husband Craig of Farmington, Karen Garrison Rhodes of Mayfield and Sandy Garrison Gupton of Murray; step-mother, Kathryn Garrison Burkett of Murray; three sisters, Carolyn Wilson and Husband Earl "Bubby" Wilson of New Providence, Marilyn Starks and husband Glen of Almo, and Faye Parrish of Murray; three brothers, Paul Wayne Garrison and wife Shirley of Murray, Charles Garrison and wife Shirley of Michigan, and Danny Joe Garrison and wife Dianne of Florida; thirteen grandchildren, Kary (Moon) Fox and husband Shane, Bill Futrell and wife Lindsey, Kory Futrell, Kacy Morgan, Niki Woods and husband Jay, Justin Shaw and wife Anne, Brandon Garrison, Ashlee Gupton, Kyle Gupton and Kristen, Tony, Whitney and Jason Ovalle; eight great-grandchildren, Kynzlee, Kylee, Maddox Fox, Presley Manis, Abriana, Garrison, Kaylani and Liliana Woods and our Yorkie Gidget who he called Little Tiny who was his constant chair companion.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Jan Ovalle, Brother Howard Garrison, grandson Jonathan Kohliem, great grandsons Micheal Shane Fox II (Madden), Matrix Fox, and soul mate, Alanna Garrison.
A private home going and celebration of his life will be Friday; public visitation will be Friday, December 19, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held Saturday.
Expressions of sympathy may go to; American Diabetes Association, 10820 Sunset Office Drive, suite 220, Saint Louis, Mo. 63127, or Murray Calloway County Hospital Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
Online condolences can be left at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com