Benjamin Garrison

Benjamin Wade Garrison passed away peacefully at home on December 16th, 2025 just one day after his 82nd Birthday.

Born in Bridgeton, NJ on 12/15/1943, Ben called East Tennessee his home for most of his adult life, and claimed to be a "Southerner" who was just born in the North. Ben was known for his sense of humor, storytelling, sharp memory and quick wit, but he was especially known for his love and devotion to his beautiful wife of 41 years, Virginia.

As a young man, Ben served in the Air Force and was stationed in Puerto Rico and areas of Texas including Carswell Air Force Base during John F Kennedy's final stop in Fort Worth in Nov 1963. Ben went on to work at Du Pont before moving to East Tennessee where he was one of the original pipe fitters at Silver Dollar City and recognized for his service by Dollywood Theme Park in 2004. Ben's skills and expertise landed him as a Supervisor at ALCOA where he acquired the nickname "Two Gun" and made many life-long friends before his retirement after 30+ years.

Ben and his surviving spouse Virginia were active in the NASCAR circuit for many years, and their love of adventure led them around the world as frequent flyers and world travelers. They were very active members of Campground United Methodist Church in Townsend, and loved their Church community. While Ben and Virginia lived in Maryville, they also had a lakefront home at Top Of The World where they found peace and solitude for almost 20 years, and many of those years were spent with their beloved Siberian Husky, Kodie. The Top Of The World Community was a very special place to Ben.

Ben is survived by daughter Claudette Schean of Birmingham, AL, step daughters Vicki Blanken of Metamora, IN, and Shannon Thurston of Knoxville, TN, several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Ben will be greatly missed by all including his good friends at The Waterfont. A special thank you to special friends, wonderful neighbors and all the staff at Foothills Transitional Care who have been of great help. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to his church Campground United Methodist Church. As his request…no formal services will be held. Just drink a cold one in his memory.