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William Parrish Obituary
December 18, 1938 - April 11, 2017
Smithfield
William K. "Bill" Parrish, 78, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, after an illness. He was a faithful husband, amazing daddy, and the world's best "Papa". Most of all, he was a child of God and a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bill was born on December 18, 1938, in Selma, North Carolina, to the late George Ivey and Lucille Pearsie Parrish. He graduated from Selma High School and Barton (Atlantic Christian) College. He received his Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina University.
Bill was a professional educator with Johnston County Schools for 35 years. He was a teacher and assistant principal at the old Smithfield High School, principal of South Smithfield Elementary, the first principal of the newly constructed Smithfield Jr. High School, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum/Instruction. He retired as principal of Clayton High School in 1996. Mr. Parrish was also instrumental in starting the AG Center for academically gifted students in 1986. He was a leader, mentor and friend to countless students and teachers.
Bill also served Christ as a faithful member, Sunday School teacher, church officer and Deacon of Unity Free Will Baptist Church, Smithfield. He was a strong supporter of the National Association of Free Will Baptists and had a special love for Welch (FWB) College in Nashville, Tennessee, sending his children and grandchildren as students.
Mr. Parrish was an avid golfer and a long-time member of the Cardinal Country Club. He enjoyed traveling, especially going to the cottage in North Myrtle Beach, SC. He lived for opportunities to spend time with his grandchildren and getting to spoil them.
He married his loving wife of 55 years, Frances (Hall) Parrish on October 21, 1961, who survives. He is also survived by his two sons, Kent (Kathy) Parrish of Smithfield, and Todd (Merinda) Parrish of Washington; grandchildren, Emily (Zach) Vickery, Ellen (Kevin) Stox, Michael Parrish, Meredith Parrish, and his loving Cocker Spaniel, "Molly".
A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Friday, April 14, 2017, at 2:00 PM, Unity Free Will Baptist Church, 104 W. Langdon Ave, Smithfield, with visitation prior at 1 PM. The Rev. Todd Parrish and Rev. Jason Hurt will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Selma Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends at other times at the home.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the medical staff of the ICU at Johnston Health in Smithfield and the medical staff of LifeCare Hospitals of North Carolina in Rocky Mount. The family will be forever grateful for the excellent care, love, and support of a special physician, Dr. Gerrie Michelle Shiver, of LifeCare. Her amazing devotion to her patients and to Christ sustained Bill's family during the most difficult of days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Welch College, P.O. Box 479, Gallatin, Tennessee, 37066.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Parrish
Sponsored by Parrish Funeral Home - Selma.
Jack Temple
April 30, 2017
Bill and and I were fellow principals and friends. I fondly remember our golf games together. Bill was a very positive person and an optimist always looking on the bright side of things. He will be missed.
Ross Love
April 23, 2017
Sorry for your loss.
April 18, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
Hilda Sullivan
April 18, 2017
Bill was one of my favorite classmates. He was always interested in others. He will be missed at our 60th class reunion.
April 15, 2017
Frances, you and your family have been and will con't to be lifted up in our prayers. much Love, Jerry and Kathy Hodge
Jeff Matthews
April 13, 2017
We all will miss you Uncle Bill. All of us have prayed for you, Aunt Frances, Kent, and Todd. Please join hands with Mom, Uncle Bobby, Papa, and Grandma and pray for us.
Tom I Davis
April 13, 2017
Bill was my colleague and my friend. He gave his very best every day to the school children of Johnston County. He was a wonderful human being who was a mentor to many and a friend to all. To Frances and the family, you can be sure that he will remain in the memory of those who knew him.
Kim Parrish Batten
April 13, 2017
Prayers and thoughts are with you Aunt Frances, Kent, Todd & family members. Uncle Bill touched many lives and will be missed. The reunion of him with Grandpa & Grandma Parrish, Daddy (Bobby), Aunt Brenda, Uncle Joe and many others is happening in Heaven right now! May God provide you comfort & strength in the days ahead. With love ~
Danny and Sara Parrish
April 13, 2017
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. We pray for peace and comfort for you and the family
Dennis and Deborah Sullivan
April 13, 2017
Love and prayers to you all.
Glenda Whitaker
April 12, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family.
Christa Leverette
April 12, 2017
Prayers for God's peace and comfort for the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Dianne Creech
April 12, 2017
We are sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
George & Dianne Creech
April 12, 2017
Love and prayers to all of the Parrish family
Steve and Debbie Brogden
Holly Werline
April 12, 2017
I am very sorry to hear that Mr. Bill has passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Frances and the family. He was such a kind, man and his memory will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed.
Jimmy Phillips
April 12, 2017
Kent and family, I am so saddened to hear of your Dad's passing.....may our Heavenly Father comfort you all during this difficult time....
Susan Canady
April 12, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know you can find comfort knowing he now has a well and healthy body and is being cared for my our loving Father. May God give you peace and comfort during this time of grief and adjustment. My prayers are with all of the family.
Barbara Clapp
April 12, 2017
I will miss you my friend. May God Bless your family as they adjust. I'll see you when God says come.
Christy Barfield
April 12, 2017
May the Lord keep His loving arms upon you and your family. Praying for you during this most difficult time. Sorry for your loss.
Wayne/Vicki Oliver
April 12, 2017
Our prayers, thoughts and much love are with all of you during this time. So thankful for the opportunity to have known Mr. Bill. Truly an example of God's Servant. Heavens gain.
Eddie Davis
April 12, 2017
Frances and family, I am sorry to hear about Mr. Bill. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeanette Matthews
April 12, 2017
What can I say about this man that half of Johnston County doesn't know? I will say he was like a second Daddy to me and his family used to live behind my parents and I when I was little, I even played with Todd. It saddens me to hear of his passing because he has so many people here that love him. He was a great man. I guess God decided He needed him in Heaven. Rest in peace, Mr. Parrish. I love you and will miss you dearly.
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