“The Rev. William (Bill) Gough Garrison Jr., beloved father, brother, uncle, friend, pastor, and faithful servant of God, passed away suddenly on August 28, 2026, at the age of 68. Born in Philadelphia on May 15, 1958, Bill devoted his life to his family, faith, ministry, and caring for others. Bill was a man of deep faith, strong conviction, great humor, and compassion, whose life was devoted to his calling and to the people he loved. He was a mentor not only from the pulpit, but in the way he showed up for people when they needed him most.

Raised in Philadelphia and Baltimore, Maryland he graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1976 and went on to graduate with his BS from Old Dominion University before getting his Masters of Divinity from The Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia.

In his 35 years of ministry Bill served as Senior Pastor of Grace Church Scranton and Emmanuel Church Pipersville. Bill served on several committees during his work in the ministry including The Committee on Young People’s Work, The Committee for Memorials, The Committee on Nominations and the Board of Pensions and Relief. He also served as Deacon for several Diocesan General Councils. In the last decade, Bill was a Hospice Pastor during which time he provided comfort, solace and counsel to patients and their families approaching end of life.

His most significant role and contribution was that of father to his three children, grand-father to his three grandsons and brother to his two sisters and brother.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved parents, William Gough Garrison Sr. and Elizabeth “Betty” Garrison. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory with them always. He will be greatly missed by his son, Ethan Garrison and his wife, Katelin, and their three sons, Oliver, Leonard, and Carter; his son, Colin Garrison; and his daughter, Erin Garrison. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Karen Fandrick; his brother, John Garrison and his wife, Durinda; and his sister, Kim Garrison Hopcraft and her husband, Michael, and their children, Dylan and Cassidy.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 11:00am at Emmanuel Church Pipersville, 80 Smithtown Rd, Pipersville, PA 18947

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Rev. Garrison Memorial – Bassinger Home Fund, PO Box 88 Jenkintown, PA 19046”