On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Tony Brian Garrison, 55, passed away at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, surrounded by love after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. He was also preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Mayfield.
He was born in High Point, NC, on November 12, 1970, and built a career at Thomas Built Buses for more than 30 years, demonstrating dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Tony enjoyed DJing the music for gatherings, putting some food on the grill, gaming, good TV and movies, watching sports, and hosting Sunday football events. One of his final meaningful experiences was taking a trip to Miami before his health declined. Tony was a lifelong fan of the Miami Dolphins, so it was a special trip that brought him happiness and allowed him to spend time in a place connected to the team he loved.
Those who knew him respected the steady and lighthearted spirit he brought to the people around him. He was known for his humor and his ability to keep others smiling, even during difficult times. His laughter and personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Above all else, he loved his family deeply. He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memories: his mother, Aquilla Garrison; brothers, Nicholas Garrison (Sasha), Jarris Mayfield, Rico Little, Marcus Mayfield, and Dominique Davis; children, Myia Wall, Jaquel Horne, Tony Horne, and Imani Quick; his beloved granddaughter, Janyia Wall; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were touched by him.
His love, guidance, and strength will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him always.
After years of fighting bravely, he is now at peace. His family finds comfort knowing that his suffering has ended and that his legacy of love, humor, and resilience will continue to live on through all who knew him.
We will send him off with the words and spirit he left us with, Rock and Roll, Tony G.
A celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, March18,2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
Send flowers to the service of Mr. Tony Brian Garrison
Aquilla, I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your son. My deepest condolences to you and the Garrison family. May God give you comfort and peace at this time of bereavement. Sincerely, Judith Brawner and family
Lil'Bit Diane and family I'm so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers during this difficult time
So sorry for your loss. Tony was not only my best friend but my brother from another mother. We had great times together. He always was the one I turned to for advice and he always told me the truth. You will be missed my brother. I will always think of you. Love always!!
Sending condolences to Jaquel and all of your family as you grieve. You are in my prayers. May Mr. Garrison's memory be a joy and blessing in your lives.
I just know every time I seen Tony he was always smiling. I don't ever think seen him mad to be honest. Good knowing ya fam rest up and see ya soonβΌοΈ Bamπ€πΎ
To the family my condolences. Tony was a cool guy who will be truly missed .
Truly going to miss you. You were like a father to me. Welcomed me in your home and your life with open arms and treated me like I was your own daughter. Cherishing the moments and times we spent together.
May your family find comfort as you take time to remember a life well-lived and well-loved. Going to miss you my Dolphins Brother!
We had some wonderful times together big bruh. When Kevin introduced you to me we clicked. You were serious about DJ-ing I can tell you! We use to rap like we were getting a deal. I can go on and on about you. Thank you for the Suzuki Samurai memories at the Bike Rally bruh. Rest easy big bruh.... Love you
Praying for the Garrison Family From the Witherspoon Family ππ
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Lil'bit and the Garrison family. Wishing you peace and comfort during these very difficult days.
Tony and I worked together at Thomas Built Buses at the Chassis Plant. He would come into the breakroom with some hot grits and I would say man where do you be getting those grits from and he would say the main plant man. Tony was a good person and I'm glad to have called him a friend. Rest easy my friend.
Rest in peace Tony, forever in my heart. Praying for your family β€οΈ
To the Family,My prayers are with you. During this difficult time.I've worked with Tony for many years TTB Days of laughs from something been said or done.It was joy knowing him,And Finding out that we knew some of the same people (A lot) We both look and laugh And say small world.He'll say But You still Got me beat.π He will be Missed But Not Forgotten!!!
Rest in peace my friend Mr. Tony Garrison - AKA - Miami Dolphins
We already miss Tony coming to Food Lion joking, laughing & talking football trash even though the "Fins" have been struggling for years, he remained a fan. May he RIP.
We love and will miss you dearly Tony! You were one of the coolest, funniest cousins in the family! We will treasure all the great times we had with family. I will miss your DJ skills at the family functions! We will hold our memories of you always in our hearts π Watch over the family and hug and kiss all of our love ones that went home before you! I know they welcomed you with open arms! You fought a good fight, finished your course and now embracing your new body! No more sickness or pain! We will always remember and cherish your legacy forever ! Jackie, Quentin and Natalie
My cousin was always talking junk,but,truly loved us all,he's been the coolest person you ever wanted to meet π So,glad to be his family. I'm blessed to have shared π a family with him. Missing you already π’.
I remember Tony when he was younger we'll went to church together. He will truly be missed, but God knows best. My prayers are with the Family Debra Townsend Dawkins
My most sincere condolences to you and your family. I'll keep you all on my prayers and heart.
Sorry for your loss
I am so sorry for your family loss of Tony. May God give you the courage and strength at this time that you will need prayers for all of you
My sincere condolences to the Garrison family. May God's peace rain upon you, during this time of your loss. I know you will cherish all the fond memories you have of Tony. May God bless the entire family.
RIP TonyποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
Sending Condolences to the Garrison family
LaKisha McLaughlin
Sorry for your loss.
Sending my prayers and condolences, to the Garrison Family. May God give u strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss,may God be with the family and keep everyone strong in Spirit because our Father knows best in hard times.
To the Garrison family sorry for your loss signed by Gloria Robbins little
To Aquilla(Lil-bit) and family, may God's Grace and Mercy give you strength during this time. We share your loss and we're very saddened as well. Always family, Kevin(Boo) and Tammie
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.