EASLEY – Tri-County Technical College lost one of the most influential leaders of the school’s history over the weekend.

Dr. Donnie Casper Garrison, 75, of Easley died at Greenville Memorial Hospital Saturday after a brief illness.

Garrison was the president of Tri-County for 32 years and rallied for “Jobs for People and People for Jobs,” current President of Tri-County Tech Dr. Ronnie Booth said.

In 2002, Tri-County honored Garrison by naming the Pendleton campus after him.

“He served as a tireless leader and advocate for technical education in this region and the State,” Booth said. “He had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of students and communities we serve.”

During his tenure at Tri-County, Garrison dedicated his life to developing an institution that provided top-quality training for local companies and an affordable education for those in need of job skills or the first two years of a baccalaureate degree, Booth said. Over his 32 year presence at Tri-County, Garrison grew the school from a small school to one of the largest community and technical colleges in the South Carolina.

“When Garrison retired, he said, ‘I truly believe that Tri-County Technical College’s best days are yet to come.’ That may be true, but it never would have been possible without the solid foundation he laid for us,” Booth said.

Garrison, born in Liberty, received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Furman University and his Doctorate from Duke University.

In Garrison early years, he was the head football coach at Palmetto High School, and assistant football coach at Pendleton High and Easley High.

Garrison was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley where he was a Deacon and Sunday school teacher. There he was apart of the Inspirational Bible Fellowship Class.

“Above all, I believe Dr. Garrison will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and passion,” Booth said. “Don took over a room when he entered it and didn’t leave until everyone there understood the value of technical college and the integral role they play in the economic development and prosperity of the State.”

Visitation was held on Monday at Robinson Funeral Home on Powdersville Road. Funeral services were held at Rock Springs Baptist Church on Tuesday. Dr. David Gallamore and Dr. John Adams officiated. Entombment followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.