I've been writing a lot of tributes lately. This one’s for one of my heroes.
To my family and friends of Judy and JL -- I'm sorry to share the saddest news. On March 2, my brother-in-law JL passed away peacefully under hospice care.
JL is my hero. After my sister Judy passed away from cancer in late 2020, he bravely and while grieving went on with his life. He moved into assisted living, and after a few rough transition months, he began to see himself as part of his new community. He participated in every activity they offered -- outings, art, music, gatherings, church services, and more. He and a group of friends enjoyed afternoons on the patio, and he often assisted those in wheelchairs who needed a push. He talked on the phone to his sister Katherine nearly every day. Occasionally, JL would work in the facility's garden or, when asked, offer sound advice on maintaining the facility van.
Now, the food was another matter. JL never saw eye to eye with their meals, so friends and family regularly brought him home cooking and treats. His sons took him on errands or fun outings just about every Saturday, which often included looking at cars or motorcycles and always included getting a hamburger.
JL's friend Kat regularly offered creative ideas for day trips, such as an afternoon at the local cat café. Brian and I fondly remember traveling from Texas for adventures with JL, including a trip to Jacksonville and another trip to the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum in Ocala. Other family members and dear friends also visited him. We're all so grateful for these happy days.
My heart goes out to the Tison family plus his many friends and loyal former customers. Judy's entire family including Leslie, Bruce, and I are heartbroken too.
Several of you have asked for a copy of JL's obituary. Here it is. It was my honor to write it.
John (J.L.) Luther Tison, Sr. (81) of Gainesville, FL—faithful brother, father, husband, neighbor, and friend—passed away peacefully on March 2, 2022 at home in Gainesville.
Friends and family will remember J.L. for his quiet manner, quick smile, strong work ethic, love of nature, unquenchable sweet tooth, and a God-given talent in his hands for fixing things.
Born in Orange Heights on June 16, 1940, J.L. was raised in rural Alachua County. He proved himself to be strong and capable while working the farm alongside his family. Later, as a teenager, he was encouraged by a local mechanic to try his hands at tuning up and fixing cars, which ultimately turned into J.L.’s calling and lifelong career.
Not only did J.L. know his way around an engine block, but he was also steady behind the wheel. Starting as a teenager and into his adult years, J.L. and his fellow drivers made names for themselves on the drag racing circuit. Now a 4-lane highway, Florida State Road 441 was a dirt road for most of the years that J.L. was racing—and winning—in his home-built Chevys.
For six decades, J.L worked as a car mechanic. His reputation for honesty and outstanding workmanship eventually led him to open and operate J.L.’s Auto Repair in Gainesville for many years until he retired in his late 70s.
In 1984, J.L. married Judy. Kindred spirits with tender hearts, J.L. and Judy regularly and quietly performed countless acts of kindness for the people in their lives. J.L. never asked for anything in return, except maybe a Snickers bar or the exchange of funny stories. J.L. excelled at kidding around and teasing the people he loved best.
When he wasn’t working on cars or perfecting his lawn, J.L. sought other ways to enjoy life in the great outdoors. He liked hiking and horseback riding but motorcycle rides, a day on the boat, or a relaxed weekend drive with Judy or his sons were among his favorite memories.
J.L. is predeceased in death by his parents Willie Mae (Bender) and Maceo Tison; wife Judy (Broutman) Tison; and his brother Harry W. Tison, Sr.
J.L. is survived by his two sisters Katherine Brown (Lawtey, FL) and Ruby Dean (Waldo, FL) and her husband Ralph; his two sons John (Alachua, FL) and Tim (Gainesville, FL); one grandchild; one great-grandchild; and his extended family and community of friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in J.L.’s name to the Humane Society of North Central Florida: https://www.humanesocietyncfl.org
Condolences may be left in J.L.’s online guestbook at https://forestmeadowsfh.com/obituaries/john-j-l-luther-tison-sr/