Elliott Wesley "Bud" Garrison, 75, died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at his home in Lawrenceburg. Born June 5, 1950, he was the beloved son of the late R. Elliott Garrison Jr. and the late Ann McBrayer Garrison.

He was a 1968 graduate of Anderson County High School and attended Union College in Barbourville, KY, until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1970 during the Vietnam War as a boatswain mate aboard the USS Mullinnix.

After a tour of duty in Vietnam, he returned to Lawrenceburg to work with his father and his aunt in the family business, The Anderson News. He served the newspaper in many capacities, spending the final decades of his long career as the paper's advertising manager.

After his retirement in 2006, he embraced the opportunity to explore many interests — both new and old — outside of his job.

Taking a page from his mother's book, he was a dedicated animal lover. He rescued several dogs during his life, and he found many true friends in the cats he and his wife cared for over the years. His diverse interests also included watching trains, motorcycling, fishing, kayaking, gardening, running antique engines and traveling. He was a member of Anderson Lodge #90 F&AM and Shriners International.

Because of his adventurous spirit, he took great joy in visiting unfamiliar places and trying new things. Most recently, he had channeled his energy into woodworking, building a variety of beautiful and unique gifts for his family and friends.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 19 years, Mary Madden Garrison; a daughter from a previous marriage, Jamie Garrison; a bonus daughter, Allyson Hendrickson; a sister-in-law, Linda Holtzclaw, and her husband, Bill; a nephew, Chris Holtzclaw and his wife, Allison; and a great-nephew, Jacob Holtzclaw.

In keeping with Bud's wishes, no services will be held. He wanted to be cremated, and his remains will be interred at a later date. Revealing his kind heart for a final time, Bud chose to donate his organs and tissue after his death.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Anderson Humane Society – online at andersonhumane.org/give-back/ or by mail at Anderson Humane Society, P.O. Box 494, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

Arrangements are entrusted to Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, KY. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.ritchieandpeach.com.