Davis Garrison Obituary

Davis Garrison, III

February 3, 2026

Davis Dunaway Garrison, III, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, February 3rd, at Hermitage Health Care in Elizabethton after a battle with Alzheimer's.

Born in Johnson City, Tennessee on February 9, 1948 to Dottie Jane Simmons and Davis Dunaway Garrison, Jr., Dave grew up in Johnson City, graduating from Science Hill High School in 1966. Involved in ROTC in high school, he joined the Marines shortly after graduation with a dream and a plan to fly. He was initially stationed in San Diego, then Memphis, and ended with time in Cherry Point, NC. Dave was not able to realize his plan to fly while in the Marines, but found a specialty skill set in aircraft avionics, specifically Harrier jets and F-4s. His active service ended four years later and he exited as Sargeant.

Dave returned to Johnson City and enrolled at East Tennessee State University on the GI Bill for two years. His love for aviation eventually led him to Oklahoma City, enrolling in the FAA Academy to become an air traffic controller, successfully completing the program and assigned to Oklahoma City for several months. His subsequent controller jobs were in Jacksonville, Florida and Greensboro, North Carolina, eventually bringing him back to Johnson City/Tri-Cities Airport.

After his air traffic controller career, Dave made his way back to Greensboro where he ventured into the corporate world of advertising, finding his specialized focus as a Registered Investment Advisor and Fiduciary. He fine-tuned his craft employed by Paul Revere Investors and Mass Mutual.

Dave made the move back to Johnson City in 1993, ultimately able to create and operate his own financial investment company, Preservation Financial Group, LLC, retiring in 2023.

Dave loved people and making relationships. In his hometown, he had many, both old and new. Having grown up at First Presbyterian Church, and upon his return to Johnson City, he stepped back into familiar surroundings and found some of the relationships he left at the age of 18, and proceeded to make new friendships. At the time of his passing, he was still a member of First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed being involved in the community, being on the golf course, and building relationships, such as serving on the Board of Good Samaritan Ministries of Johnson City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Davis D. Garrison, Jr. and Dottie Simmons Garrison, as well as his sister, Judy Garrison Palmer.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 30 years, Marsha Chase Garrison; stepson Eric Smith-Breeden (Jill); step grandsons Josh Smith-Breeden (Sarah, fiancee), Matthew Smith-Breeden; sister Janet Garrison Murphy (Ted); brother Stephen Garrison (Carol); several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and goddaughter Julie Cox.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Deep appreciation is extended to Brighter Days Home Care, Caregiver and friend, Nikki Thompson, Wes Reed and the staff at Hermitage Health Care, Amedisys Hospice Care, Veterans Administration, Mountain Home, TN.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The River (a ministry for women and children), 125 West Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37604.