Rogers Cooley Garrison

Rogers “Pete” Cooley Garrison, 95, of Florence, SC, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2015. Mr. Garrison was born in Society Hill, SC, a son of the late William Ervin Garrison and Mary Emutral Cooley Garrison. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Ruth Singletary Garrison, and his siblings, James Joseph Garrison, William E. Garrison, Jr., Frances G. Graham, Sophie G. Ginn, Thomas Fred Garrison, Charles McCown Garrison and Daniel Moorer Garrison. He is survived by his daughter, Sheri G. Andrews and her husband Larry of Florence; grandchildren, Wynter V. Easterling and husband Justin of Lugoff and Cory G. Andrews and wife Tori of Santee; and a great-grandchild, Annabelle Grace Easterling of Lugoff. Rogers was general manager of Mount Hope Cemetery for over fifty years, from 1938 until his retirement in 1988. He was a true Southern gentleman. His kindness, compassion, integrity, and gentle spirit were assets throughout his professional life. He was a member of the Fifty Year club at Florence First Baptist Church and was Chairman of ushers for Evening Worship for many years. He was a past member of the American Legion, a charter member (1938) of the Sertoma Club and a past board member of the Florence YMCA (1986-1989). He was also affiliated with numerous Cemetery Associations. Rogers was an enthusiastic supporter of the Florence YMCA since its establishment in 1972.He always offered encouragement for exercise whether in team sports or individual skills.He enjoyed competing and received several awards through the YMCA; he was especially fond of his recognition into the Hall of Fame in 2001. He was active at the YMCA into his mid-eighties. He loved spending family time water skiing and in this casual setting he was known as “Pete”.He water skied into his mid-seventies. He was baptized at First Baptist Church in 1930 at age 11.His Christian values were evident daily in his professional and personal life. His expression of love and gratitude for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, were humbly displayed each day. He was proud to be a veteran of the Army Air Force, and the blessing that he and his five brothers all returned home safely to their mother after WWII. The family wishes to express gratitude for the love and devoted care Rogers received during his many years living at the Presbyterian Home in Florence. These fine folks were extended family for him and his loved ones. Also, the friendship, love and compassion of Dr. Edward Behling throughout many years both personally and professionally were truly a blessing to us all. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 19, 2015 in the chapel of Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church of Florence, 300 South Irby St. Florence, SC 29501, or to Florence Area Humane Society, PO Box 4808, Florence, SC 29502.