Michael Steven Garris Jr., 62, of Perryville passed away Friday, August 16, 2024 at SSM Health St. Louis University Hosptal in St. Louis.
He was born November 6, 1961 in Perryville, to Michael Junior and Alice M. (Evans) Garris. His mother survives in Perryville
He was a Self-Employed Firewood and Mulch Hauler.
Mike loved gardening, taking care of the horses, helping his children, family, friends and even strangers. He enjoyed fishing (with his prized rods and reels) and mushroom hunting. He loved blasting his loudspeakers and feeling the music. He loved Camo everything. He enjoyed his pocket knives, flashlights and firearms. He could build just about anything with his array of tools that he prided himself on. He had an infinite amount of knowledge and loved sharing it with others.
He was an avid Amazon shopper and always researched before he bought anything! He could sell ice-cubes to an Eskimo. He could show you all the best places to find Ginseng and was an exceptional artist, he was talented in so many ways. He could play a mean game of pool and when his shoulder would allow it he’d beat anyone at arm wrestling. He enjoyed playing all games though his favorite was Greedy.
He loved Crosstown where he was born and raised. He loved storm watching and listening to the rain, hail, thunder and all, checking the river level and rain level. Spending time at the Mississippi River, making trails with his 4-wheeler and giving names to new places he would find. He loved revisiting old places that he discovered as a kid. He loved making walking sticks. He was a wonderful cook and could make just about anything, from chili, spaghetti, pickle salad, chicken, and so much more.
He loved cracking jokes and putting smiles on everyone’s faces. He always enjoyed a cold beer and spending every day with his dog Oliver. He was a hard worker and perfectionist to do the job right. He loved so incredibly hard and was a truly sympathetic person. He appreciated all walks of life and would always follow the golden rules. He believed to always treat everyone with kindness. And most importantly he loved spending time with his kids. They were the light in his life. To say he would be missed is an understatement.
Survivors include Son, Michael M. Garris of Perryville, four daughters, Abby L. (Fiance Lucas Ponder) Garris of Perryville, Libby A. (Riley Dewitt) Garris of Perryville, Joni L. Lungwitz of Swansea, Maggie J. Lungwitz of Perryville; two brothers, Daniel (Wendy) Garris of Crosstown, Kurt (Jamie) Garris of Perryville, three sisters, Winona (Don) Koetting of Perryville, Yvonne (Chris) Petzoldt of Perryville, Kathy Taylor of Perryville; soon to be born Grandchild, Hollan Michael.
He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Junior Garris; son, Mason M. Garris.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna and will continue from 8:30 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the church.
Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna with Rev. Paul Hoemann officiating.
Burial will be at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery in Frohna.
Memorial contributions may be given to Saxon Memorial or The Little School Museum.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
