Parrish Scott Sasser

Parrish Scott Sasser, born on July 15, 1963, in Kinston, NC, set sail for his heavenly home on March 23, 2025, at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy as vast and comforting as the ocean he loved so dearly. At the time of his passing, Parrish resided in the serene coastal town of Surf City, NC, where he embraced life with an enthusiasm that was contagious and unforgettable.
A gentle giant, standing at 6'5", Parrish was known for his warm heart and larger-than-life presence. A graduate of Kinston High School, he pursued his passion for baseball at Louisburg College on a scholarship, before serving his country with honor in the United States Air Force. His professional journey was marked by a successful career in sales and real estate, culminating in the establishment of his company, Nature's Own. He loved his Carolina Panther's going to most home games over the last 30 years. Yet, his proudest achievement was becoming a Boat Captain, a role that allowed him to share his love and knowledge of the sea with everyone around him. He fished many tournaments with his fishing team Nature's Own. Parrish absolutely loved fishing the Big Rock along side the crew on The Gamekeeper.
Parrish was a man of deep faith, actively involved in the Renovation Church of Hampstead, NC. He was a familiar face, greeting congregants with a smile and escorting them to their seats. The men's weekly bible study brought him great peace. His heart found its true calling on mission trips to Ghana, West Africa, where he worked tirelessly to support children, a church and school bridging cultural and language divides with the conviction that God's love knows no barriers.
He was a beloved friend to all, renowned for his humor and legendary Dad jokes, always ready to light up a room with joy and laughter. Parrish is survived by his loving partner, Lisa Petonovich; his cherished daughters, Shannon Miller (Jordan), Jennifer Isaac (Mike), and Langley Kluckowski (Joe); Proudest Granddaddy of Luke, Selah, Danny, Forrest, Lydia and Xander; his dear sisters, Paige Fuss and Sherry Green. "DOGFATHER"to his lab's Grayce and Mate. He was predeceased by his parents, Madeline McGugan and Wilbur Sasser, who undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms in Heaven.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Parrish's life at a visitation from 09:30 am to 10:30 am on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville, NC. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 am in their chapel, with a graveside service at Coastal Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, NC
In lieu of flowers, Parrish's heartfelt desire was for friends and family to support Renovation Church. This place of worship is a community filled with love, faith, and purpose. By contributing to its mission, we can keep Parrish's spirit alive, sharing the light he brought to our lives with others. Renovation Church P.O.Box 1129 Hamsptead, NC 28443.
As we gather in loving memory of Parrish, we find solace in the gentle whispers of the ocean he adored. His spirit remains with us in the laughter shared, the stories told, and the love that binds us. Parrish taught us the beauty of patience and the joy of life's simple pleasures. Though we say goodbye for now, his light guides us through the darkest nights, reminding us that love endures forever. In faith and in love, we carry him with us, a cherished treasure in our hearts.
On the Ocean's Edge: for Parrish~
As dawn breaks softly on the ocean's embrace,
We gather together, each heart in its place.
Though Parrish has sailed to a shore far away,
In our hearts, his spirit will forever stay.
With family around us, and friends by our side,
We share in the laughter, the love, and the tide.
The waves whisper softly, their rhythm a song,
Reminding us gently that love is still strong.
In the casting of lines, we feel his warm touch,
In the stories we tell, we remember so much.
He taught us of patience, of joy in the chase,
Of fishing at dawn, and the peace of this space.
God's light shines upon us, a beacon so bright,
Guiding us forward through the darkest of nights,
Your laughter and kindness still echo the skies.
As the sun sets on waters where memories play,
We hold you in spirit, in each passing wave.
Together we cherish the bond that won't sever,
For in love and in faith, you'll be with us forever.
So here's to the times and the moments we shared,
To the ocean's vast beauty, and how much we cared.
In our hearts, you remain, a treasure so rare,
With God as our guide, we'll always be there.
LP