ROBERT PARRISH

PARRISH,
ROBERT ELLIS, 74
Mr. Robert Ellis 'Bobby' Parrish, 74, of Lake Butler, went home to be with our Lord on February 16, 2016, under the care of Nature Coast Hospice. Bobby fought a long, hard and courageous three year battle with cancer, Bobby died as he had lived... with dignity, strength, courage and honor. He was our hero then and today he is still our hero.
He was born on July 23, 1941, to the late R.E. 'Robbie' Parrish and Mae Johns Parrish. He lived his entire life in Union County where he attended Union County Schools. While in high school he participated in football (all conference) basketball, track and baseball. He graduated from UCHS in 1959. In December of 1963 he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia. After an honorable discharge, Bobby returned to Union County where she worked at GE in Alachua. Bobby was also a farmer who raised poultry he as well was involved with the hay business. In 1966 he began a career with the Department of Corrections where he retired as a Lieutenant in 1997. He was married in 1967 to Regina Harrell of Brooker, FL. Bobby was an outdoorsman and avid hunter. He enjoyed teaching his son and grandsons about hunting and enjoyed many hunting trips with them. He was a founding member of the Little Hell Hunting Club. He was generous and supported youth athletic activities as well as being a member of the Union County Quarterback Club and the Union County Riding Club. Bobby was also a member of the First Christian Church of Lake Butler where during his membership he served as a Deacon.
Bobby was a devoted husband, wonderful father and beloved grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Regina; his son Brett; his daughters Beth Jarrell and Susan Marteeny and husband Matt; grandchildren, Maggie, Hunter, and Tucker Parrish, Isabella Jarrell; and Isabella Marteeny; sister Jackie Cunningham and husband Fred; sisters-in-laws Freida Parrish and Rosie Parrish; and several nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents Robbie and Mae Parrish; brothers Walter and Roland Parrish.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fist Christian Church, 155 NW First Street, Lake Butler, Florida 32054 or Nature Coast Hospice, 150 North Main Street, High Springs, Florida 32643.
Funeral services for Mr. Parrish will be held Friday, February 19, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at the First Christian Church of Lake Butler. Visitation will be Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Interment will follow at Elzey Chapel Cemetery.
The arrangements are under the care of Archer Funeral Home, Lake Butler.
386-496-2008