Joy Lee Parish

Joy Lee Parish, 93, of Red Oak, Texas passed peacefully in his sleep on November 12, 2023. Joy was born in Rice, Texas on May 23, 1930, to Joseph and Mattie Mae (Reeves) Parish. Joy enjoyed spending time with his parents growing up. Joy attended his school years in Rice, Texas until he was old enough to work in the fields harvesting crops.
After working in the field, Joy went on to work at a furniture company for about 25 years. Following his furniture career, Joy began a new career with Sears & Roebuck Company as a delivery driver for 25 years. Following his passion, Joy opened his music store called Parish Music in Waxahachie, Texas. Joy ran the music store solely for approximately 18 years. In 2000, Joy's son, Tommy Parish, asked to go into business with Joy by opening a pawn shop. The business became known as Parish Music and Pawn which remained open for 22 years before closing shortly after Tommy's passing. After spending almost 75 years of working, Joy then went into retirement and spending time with his family and friends. Joy also enjoyed playing with his great grandchildren.
Joy met the love of his life in 1958, Carolyn (Fuller) Parish, at a local Baptist church where Joy was a Deacon. Joy and Carolyn were married on January 31, 1959. Joy had a son from a previous marriage whom Carolyn and Joy enjoyed raising together and attending Tommy's sporting events. In 1968, Carolyn and Joy adopted an 18-month­ old girl, Dana Parish. Dana followed in Joy's footsteps with his love of music. Joy and Carolyn were members of the Cowboy Church of Ellis County.
Joy's love of music was lifelong. Over the years, he played in bands with his brothers, Lester and Jody, and friend, Smitty. Joy also played in other bands such as The Shamrocks, The Joy Makers, and Off the Record, where they played at various V.F.W., American Legions, and in the surrounding areas.
While operating Parish Music, Joy's friends would visit where they would talk about music and daily news topics. Joy and many of his friends played together at various Oprys in Italy, Waxahachie, Red Oak, and Bristol. They would play classic country favorites from the 1950's to 1970's including Hank Williams, Conway Twitty, and Merle Haggard. In Joy's free time, he would also make guitars to sell in his store.
Joy will always be remembered for his musical talent of singing, playing guitar, and his generous heart in helping others. We'll always remember hearing him say, "Thanks for stopping by," no matter if it was at the store or home. We couldn't have asked for a better son, sibling, spouse, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Joy will be missed every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Joy was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mattie Mae Parish; all his brothers and sisters; and his son, Tommy Parish. Joy is survived by his wife, Carolyn Parish; his daughter, Dana Parish; his granddaughters, Fawn (Martwick) Trotter and husband Justin, Snowy (Martwick) Joiner and husband Jesse, Kristi Lasher and husband Jason; his great-grandson, Levi Trotter; his great­ granddaughter, Faithlyn Joiner; along with numerous friends.
The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Friday, November 17, 2023, in Byrum Funeral Home Chapel with the celebration of Joy's life to be held immediately following visitation at 1:00 pm. Burial will be in Red Oak Cemetery following the service.