Melville W. Garrison

Monette

Melville W. Garrison, 69, of Monette, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007, at his residence. He was born Sept. 29, 1938, at Monette. He retired from the United Telephone Company and also worked at American Greetings in Osceola. He served in the United States Army stationed in Korea. He was a member of the Caraway Lodge No. 733, 32nd Degree Mason, member of the Manila American legion and a member of Leachville First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Malda Garrison of Monette; two daughters and their husbands, Anita and Ritchie Tompkins of Biloxi, Miss., and Gina and Tim Despain of Monette; his mother, Mary Ann Beavers of Garrison of Jonesboro; four grandchildren, Bridget and James Dublin, Garrison Tompkins, Mallary Cullum and Torie Tompkins; two great-grandchildren, Kaleb Dublin and Kameron Dublin; two sisters, Barbara Depriest of Jonesboro and Brenda Raines of Helena; two brothers, Wayne Garrison of Mesa, Ariz., and Larry Garrison of Jonesboro; and 14 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Andrew Garrison, and a brother, Andrew Garrison.

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Friday in Leachville Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Reed and Rev. Rudy Davis officiating.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

Gregg Funeral Home in Monette was entrusted with the arrangements.

Personal condolences may be sent to the Garrison family at www.greggfunerals.com.