Richard Dale Parrish

Richard Dale Parrish was welcomed into this world December 15, 1954 in Gladewater, Texas. As a young child he showed great interest in music and education. His love for music, especially singing and playing the piano stated young and continued his whole life. He graduated from Gladewater High School in 1973 and went to college at Kilgore College and the University of Tyler where he got his Bachelor's in the English language. He then moved on to receive his Master's in English, English Literature, and Rhetoric. He received his doctorate in those same studies from East Texas University in 1985. He began teaching these classes in and continued at various colleges until retiring from TJC in 2015. Through all this was his love of music and arts. No matter where he lived he became a member of the Methodist Church and served in the music ministry by singing baritone in many choirs and playing the piano or organ for services. Richard was a very unique and intelligent individual who was passionate about the English language (and speaking it properly), the arts, music, politics and writing. He loved roaming about East Texas in search of older houses and beautiful landscapes which had to have flowers, especially azaleas and roses. His greatest love was for his family, especially his mom, who doted on him as much he doted on her. Richard was a very kind soul and a proper southern gentleman who was all about social graces and gracious living. He passed as he came into this world and tried to be his whole life: peaceful. He ran in to the arms of Jesus Saturday, June 15th where he was also met by his dad, mom, brother, and many others whom he loved that went on before him. 

Richard is survived by his nephew Brandon Parrish and spouse Shannon; niece Shannon Parrish; cousins Becca Berry and Beverly Berry-Gilley as well as a host of friends. 

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 3 in the afternoon with a visitation just prior starting at 2 pm in the chapel of Croley Funeral Home of Gladewater, Texas.