Billy Ray Garrison

Billy Ray Garrison, 74, of Amarillo, TX peacefully transitioned to his eternal home January 19, 2025. 

His memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Pinnacle Community Church, 7305 S. Coulter in Amarillo, TX under the care of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Bill was born July 19, 1950 at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, TX to James and Allene (Wright) Garrison. While James served in the United States Air Force, Bill experienced living in the Philippines as well as several stateside posts before returning to Amarillo, TX where Bill would finish his education, a member of the 1969 graduating class of Caprock High School. There he was an active student participating on the football and baseball teams. 

Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. in January 1970. During his commitment Bill served 11 months on tour in Vietnam where he received a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and the National Defense Service Medal. After fulfilling his service in the Marine Corp. Bill went to nursing school in San Antonio, TX. In 1973 he married Linda Rosenbusch and from that union was blessed with daughter Tammy and son Billy. Bill worked as a Bexar County Deputy Sherriff before moving the family to Austin, TX and later Oklahoma City. Bill moved back to Amarillo in 1989 working as a nurse before becoming a Corrections Officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Williams P. Clements Unit. Two years later Bill would return to his love for nursing in that same unit where he would meet his sweetheart, Lisa Burtram. The two were married in 2008 and Bill gained two bonus children Andrea Whitehead and Aaron Barnes. Bill continued to serve at the Clements Unit for the next 23 years alongside many lifelong friends before retiring in 2015.

Whether enjoying the scenery of a mountainside, camping at the lake or going to the beach, Bill loved to travel and be outdoors. He loved golfing, shooting guns and working out but nothing made him happier than spending time with his family and friends. Bill was affectionately known as “Papa Bill” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always guaranteed to be a little onery and he loved to tease and stir up trouble. Bill always had a lot of courage and was quick to protect and defend his family. They always felt safe and secure with him.

He is preceded in death by his parents James and Allene Garrison, sister Candace Sowell and her late husband Robert Sowell, one of Bill’s dearest friends.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lisa Garrison; children Billy Garrison II and wife Natasha, Tammy Garrison Winter, and Shawn Fortenberry and wife Saundra; bonus children Andrea Whitehead and husband Justin and Aaron Barnes; grandchildren, Dakota Garrison Anfuso (Saverio), Isaac Garrison (Jasmine), Riley Garrison, Abi Garrison, Emma Garrison, Bailey Herrera (Aaron), Myriah Fortenberry, Kelsi Aguilar (Javier), Charliann Richards, Mackenzie Garcia, and Joseph Stone; great-grandchildren Luca, Nora, Luci, Alex, Allyanna, Ariella, Rikki, Legend, Ethan, Ophelia, Audrey, Elloise, and Elijah; sisters Angela Garrison, Brenda Moore and husband David, and Amy Greer and husband James; uncle Jack Wright and wife Jan; and a host of nieces and nephews.

 The family would like to thank Bill’s nurse Becki and Gentiva Hospice for their compassion and care during this difficult time.