MILLARD P. PARISH

IN THE BEGINNING…Millard P. Parish was born on December 4, 1948, the eighth of eight children to Rev. Robert L. Parish, Sr. and Lois Wagner Parish in Dallas, Texas. Millard began his education in kindergarten at True Lee Missionary Baptist Church. He then attended Dallas Public Schools Paul L. Dunbar Elementary and graduated from J. N. Ervin High School.

Millard accepted Christ at a young age under the leadership of his father, Pastor R. L. Parish, Sr. He furthered his education at El Centro Community College. After accepting the call from his Uncle…Sam (that is), Millard joined the US Army, serving in the transportation division and was stationed in Korea until 1969, after which, he was honorably discharged.

In 1980, Millard accepted a higher calling in the ministry under the tutelage of his father, Pastor R. L. Parish, Sr. at True Lee Missionary Baptist Church. In 1984, Millard Parish received his degree from Southern Baptist Institute for Spiritual and Intellectual Attainments.

While Millard was furthering his calling in the ministry, he worked at AT&T for 27 years, during which he received his certification in Electronic Service Technology from American Trades Institute, and utilizing this certification for Dallas Independent School District, where he retired in 2010.

Shortly after accepting his calling, Millard met and married the love of his life, Pauline. Together they sang in the ministry and spread the gospel throughout the United States, until God led them down the highway to Ennis, Texas.

Rev. Millard Parish was chosen to pastor in Ennis, Texas at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in 1992. He spread the gospel throughout Ennis and surrounding cities through his unwavering dedication by serving several terms as President of the Progressive Ministerial Alliance of Ennis, as well as, General Director. He also served as Zone 3 chair of the Galilee Griggs Memorial District Association and he held state and national positions during his service. Millard served as the shepherd and humble servant of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church for 33 years until the Lord called him home.

Rev. Millard P. Parish was a devoted husband, father, pastor and beloved community leader until he departed this life on March 21, 2025, in Ennis, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion and faith. His faith and dedication were central to his life, guiding him through challenges and uplifting those around him. His legacy will endure in the hearts of his family, congregation, friends and all who were touched by his love and laughter. He will be remembered not only for his role as an amazing pastor but also as a cherished friend and a joke telling prankster. His impact will resonate for generations to come, and his joyful presence and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him.

Millard was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. R. L. and Lois Parish, Sr., and siblings, Clyde Parish, Ruby Lee Norman, Betty Thomas, Lois Cash, and Robert L. Parish, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 44 years, Pauline Parish, whom he loved with all his heart, his 5 daughters – Charletta Benson (Anthony), Rachel Parish (Rodney), Chryste Courtney (Bobby), Philecia Parish (Cedric) and Amber Paul (Ronald); his bonus daughters, Tracey Mitchell(Pete), Katrina McClellan (Ricky), Tenique Post, LaShonda Doggett(Clayton), Gayle Walker(Derrick) and Ameryllis Allen (Anthony), Gilecia Pillow(Tony); 7 grandchildren – Kayla Parish, Jeremy Boyd, Xavier Black, Amya Parish-Crisp, Jason Courtney, Samehya Dearmey, Alani Paul; great-granddaughter, Elisiah Parish and bonus grandchildren; sister Billie Covington of Houston, TX; brother, Donald Ray Parish Sr. (Deborah) of Dallas, TX ; his sister-in-laws – Hygerrine Redd, Robbie West, Cynthia Walker, Gretchen Parish and Laverne Parish; beloved brother Mitchell Cyrus; devoted Armor Bearers, Stacy & Aundrel Young; a special cousin-sister, Phyllis Longmire; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He had a special relationship with all of his many God-children whom he loved.

.A viewing for Rev. Parish will be held on April 4, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:45 PM and wake 6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, located at 608 Loggins Street, Ennis, Texas, 75119. The funeral service is scheduled for April 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM at True Lee Missionary Baptist Church, located at 3907 Robert L. Parish Sr. Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75210.

Rev. Millard P. Parish will be remembered not just for his role as a pastor, but as a cherished friend and an extraordinary human being whose impact will resonate for generations to come. His joyful presence and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who knew him.