Phil Garrison, Jr., 87, passed away on October 1, 2020. Phil attended Southern University where he played collegiate baseball before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1952. Upon his honorable discharge from the USAF, he moved to Los Angeles, California where he met his first wife, Virginia.

Phil and family moved to Arizona in 1973 to complete his education. He received an Associate of Fine Arts in Voice Performance from Mesa Community College then attended ASU. He worked for a variety of tech companies and defense contractors for the majority of his career. He retired from Talley Defense Systems in 1996 where he worked as a production fabrication supervisor.

After his wife, Virginia, passed away in 1988, Phil met then later married Eleanor (nee Sidor-Sheridan) in 1990. Eleanor is Professor Emeritus of ASU’s College of Nursing.

Phil was a competitive judo player and coach who held the rank of second-degree black belt. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, serving as State President 2002-2003; was a 3-time Grand Aerie Ritual Champion – achieving a 100% score all three times; and was inducted into the Arizona State F.O.E. Hall of Fame in 2011. He loved Western movies and enjoyed his time as one of the gunfighters at Goldfield Ghost Town.

Phil was best known for his love of singing. He enjoyed performing to crowds of any size and knew over 200 songs by memory. Phil performed at the annual ASU Emeriti holiday luncheon for several years. He was honored to have been chosen to perform the National Anthem at the Grand Canyon State Games, F.O.E. Grand Aerie Conventions, and Roadrunner Hockey games.

Phil was preceded in death by three sisters, a brother, his wife, Virginia, and two sons. Phil is survived by his wife Eleanor, two daughters, two brothers, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Services were held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel on October 8, 2020 followed by a graveside blessing and presentation of military honors. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks through the Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation. (Source: Eleanor Garrison)