Robert Gene Parish

1943 - 2015

Robert Gene Parish, "Coach," 72, of Crestview, passed away peacefully the morning of Aug. 14, 2015, at his home.

Gene - born May 1, 1943 in Galveston, Texas - moved to Headland, Ala., where he graduated from Headland High School. He attended Florida State University in Tallahassee from 1961 to 1965 on a football scholarship, receiving his Bachelor of Science.

He later received his Master of Business Education from Georgia State University, Atlanta, and a Master of Education in educational leadership from The University of West Florida, Pensacola.

Gene had over 40 years in the educational system, with more than 30 years in the Okaloosa County School System. His first job after college was as a teacher/coach at Niceville High School in Niceville. He later taught and coached football and track at Baker School in Baker; Bay High School in Panama City; Jonesboro High School, Jonesboro, Ga.; and Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Ga. He returned to Baker School, and ended his educational career in 2007, retiring as assistant principal at Crestview High School. He continued to work as a substitute teacher and coached golf the next five years.

His parents, Robert and Mary Barbaree Parish, and brother-in-law, Tommy Chancellor, preceded Gene in death.

His survivors are his wife of 47 years, Sheila Clark Parish; his son, Brandon Gene Parish; stepson, Joseph Michael Williams (Theresa); daughter, Andrea Shaune Parish Jockers (Brian); and sisters, Betty Chancellor and Ann Parish. Survivors also include his grandchildren, Charles (Chase) Robert Parish, Morgan Kay Martin Taylor, Sean Michael Stewart, Heath Erin Stewart, Michael Seth Williams, Casey Lynn Williams Parham (Mitchell) and Logan Jean Williams; and great-granddaughters, Rylieanne Grace Taylor and Lillyanne Faith Taylor.

Gene also leaves behind his beloved pet dog, Nico, who was totally attached to him.

In keeping with Gene's wishes and his request, his body is being cremated.

A celebration of Gene's life will take place 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 at Foxwood Country Club, 4927 Antioch Road, Crestview.

Gene will be laughing, smiling and joking with all his family, friends, former students and teachers, but especially all of the former athletes, players and coaches he was associated with during his teaching and coaching career. He loved life to the fullest.

For those wishing to honor Gene's memory, flowers are welcome; in lieu of flowers, your contribution to the American Heart Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or PAWS would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com or http://obits.crestviewbulletin.com.

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