Histories

   Bill Garrison passed away after a brief illness in the early morning hours of October 31.  Garrison leaves behind a legacy of service to several national evangelical organizations, including Bible Study Fellowship, Dallas Theological Seminary, Search Ministries and Young Life.  At Garrison's memorial service Young Life President Denny Rydberg talked about three qualities that he appreciated about this Christian statesman.  "Bill always showed up;  he always brought his gifts to the table;  and he was a master of encouragement," Rydberg said.
 
   Rydberg recalls that Garrison contributed both through his faithfulness (he rarely missed a meeting of the Young Life board) and his wisdom.  "Bill's eyesight and hearing were failing, but he brought what he could to the table - his wisdom and insight.  I'm grateful for his contribution.:
 
   Rydberg also said he appreciated the encouragement he received from Garrison.  "I knew that the leaders of each organization he worked with felt the same," Rydberg said.
 
   Garrison was a committed man of God when he first became involved with Young Life, but he was moved by the mission's ability to combine a passion for the Lord and for having fun."I think Young Life brought fun to Bill's faith," Rydberg said. 
 
   For most of his career, Garrison practiced law in Fort Worth, Texas.  He also served on the Fort Worth City Council and was a founding member  of McKinney Memorial Bible Church.  Garrison and his wife , Sue, who often joined him at Young Life Board meetings, had been married 55 years at the time of his death.
 
   "At Bill Garrison's memorial service, Howard Hendricks made the observation that a great oak in the kingdom of God has fallen," said Denny Rydberg.  "In fact, with our loss of Bill Garrison and Jeff Comment, two mighty oaks have fallen.