Apostle Horace R. Garrison

Horace Rudolph Garrison, affectionately known as “Rudy,” passed away on June 9, 2024. Born on February 5, 1946, in Tampa, Florida, to Etta Mae White and Horace Edward Garrison, Rudy was the eldest of five. From a young age, he displayed remarkable determination and work ethic. Even as a child, Rudy’s industrious nature shined through as he found ways to support his family. At just eight years old, he used a red wagon received as a Christmas gift to deliver groceries from the local A&P store to neighbors’ homes, earning a modest income. His selflessness and desire to help his family financially were evident early on. Attending Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY, Rudy possessed a vibrant and social personality, finding joy in meeting new people, laughter, and dance. His passion for dancing was evident as he practiced new moves with his sister Linda, then showcasing his talents at local dance parties. Rudy also learned the game of chess, which he loved with a passion. Rudy’s career journey led him to work for the New York City Transit Authority for 20 years, retiring in 1996. Concurrently, he embarked on a 30-year career in radio, hosting programs where he interviewed influential figures such as Shirley Chisholm and James Earl Jones. Known affectionately as “H. R. the Radio Man,” Rudy worked at various stations from New York City’s WBAI to Georgia’s WGFS AM Radio in Covington. An avid entrepreneur, Rudy owned and operated several businesses while working for the NYC Transit, providing employment opportunities for family and community members from Brooklyn to Long Island, New York. His landscape company, ice cream trucks, and hotdog trucks became neighborhood fixtures, fostering work ethic development among local youth. His passion in spreading the word of God lead him to creating ministries along with his wife where they lead Sunday services at nursing homes around Dekalb and Gwinnett counties. He also led young men’s ministries which they developed both in New York and Georgia. Approaching his retirement from radio, Rudy pursued a degree in theology from Morehouse School of Religion. He pastored New Heights Christian Ministries, LLC, in Stone Mountain, GA, serving under Apostle Henrietta Demonia. He was the Chaplain for the New York City Transit Authority, PAAC, and a prison in South Georgia. Over the years of preaching the word of God, Apostle Garrison made many friends who have become family. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Carol, brother Timothy, and son Joseph. Rudy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for Christ. He transitioned to be with the Lord on June 9, 2024, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Garrison; four sons, Noel (Kenya), Frederick David (Shawnya), Gary (Altrece), and Michael (Lisa); one daughter, Sherree (Devine); sisters, Linda and Barbara; Rudy also leaves a legacy of thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and those to whom he was a father figure. A job well done. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church 800 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a Wake Service being observed from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at our Gwinnett Chapel, 914 Scenic Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Interment will be held at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum 87 Scenic Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Please express your condolences here on our website. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Gwinnett Chapel, 914 Scenic Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. (770) 338-5558 This service will be recorded and streamed live. If the event is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire event will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the event. https://vimeo.com/event/4388463

Tributes

Apostle Horace R. Garrison

February 5, 1946 - June 9, 2024