Frank Jennings Parrish

Frank Jennings Parrish, Brig. Gen. USAF, (Ret.) age 84 died on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at Prince William Hospital in Manassas, VA. Frank was born on December 29, 1923 in Manassas, Virginia to the late Edgar Goodloe and Alverda (nee Jennings) Parrish. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia; where he then enlisted in the United States Air Corp in 1942. It was there that he started his long career as a pilot flying C-46's, C-47's, C-119's, C-124's and C-130's, with over 13, 000 flying hours. He flew 75 missions at The Hump (Burma, India and China) during WWII. He was Commander in the 756th Military Airlift Squadron and 909th Tactical Airlift Group at Andrews Air Force Base. His last assignment was Mobilization Augmentee to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations at the U.S. Pentagon. After 41 years of service Mr. Parrish retired in 1983 as a Brigadier General receiving 21 military awards and citations. Upon returning from the service after WWII, Frank came back home where he managed and operated Manassas Frozen Foods until his retirement in 2002. He was also Vice President of Manassas Ice and Fuel Company. Mr. Parrish has been a member of Grace United Methodist Church since 1935 and served as a Past Chairman of The Board of Trustees; he was also a Lifetime Volunteer Fireman in Manassas, Lifetime Member of the Manassas Kiwanis Club, Member of the American Legion Post 158, Member of the Air Force Association and Member of the Reserve Officers Association. Along with all his other accomplishments Frank was listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in South and Southwest, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in Commerce and Industry and The Blue Book of London. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Betty Lucille Carneal and his brother, State Delegate Harry J. Parrish. Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Mary Jane Parrish; his son, Edgar Lee Parrish and his wife, Katie and their children: Stephen and Robert Parrish; his daughter, Julia Lorene Parrish; his sisters: Mildred Erisman and Nancy Haydon Lawson; his sister-in-law, Mattie Parrish; seven nieces, four nephews and many great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 8, 2008 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas, Virginia. Services will be at 4:00 PM on Saturday with Rev. Rudy Tucker, Rev. Meredith McNabb and Rev. Milton Rodgers officiating. Interment will be held on Monday, October 20, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. A memorial contribution may be made in the form of a donation to: Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas, Virginia 20110, In Loving Memory of Brig. Gen. Frank J. Parrish. Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com