Dr. Oland Garrison of Cornelia passed away March 21 in Atlanta with Mary, his devoted wife of 67 years, at his side. He lived most of his life in Habersham County, where he cared for many families for decades.
Dr. Garrison was widely recognized for his diagnostic skills. In an era before specialists were common, he performed procedures and surgeries that today would be well beyond the scope of a General Practitioner. In his family practice, he was obstetrician, pediatrician, surgeon, and elder counselor. He was also the company doctor for a number of local companies.
He served in the US Army during World War II. After the war, he graduated from the Medical College of Georgia and interned at Charity Hospital in New Orleans before returning to Habersham County.
Dr. Garrison opened his first medical practice in Demorest in 1952. For 40 years, he and his family resided in Demorest, where he was on the staff at the Habersham County Medical Center, serving as its medical Chief of Staff. Always active in the community, he led the renovation of the Demorest City Park, preserving its historic springs for future generations.
In 1957, Dr. Garrison moved his practice to Cornelia. He was a board member of First National Bank, president of the Cornelia Library, and president of the Habersham County Rotary Club.
He was a person of deep faith and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cornelia for almost 50 years, serving as an Elder. He played a key role in establishing the Christian Learning Center.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Stanley Garrison of Atlanta, and two daughters: Susanne Hoder (John) of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Sandra Reyna (Darryl) of Charleston, SC. He also leaves a sister, Jackie Walker of Hendersonville, NC, a brother, Kent Garrison of Toccoa, a brother-in-law Howard Davis, sister-in-law Lucy Davis, six grandchildren, a great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, March 25, at First Presbyterian Church in Cornelia. Donations in Dr. Garrison’s memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Cornelia, P.O. Box 165, Cornelia, GA 30531, or to the Tourette Association of America, 42-40 Bell Blvd #205, Bayside, NY 11361.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home & Habersham Crematory of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) are in charge of arrangements.