Joe Parrish Sr.

BOGART - Joe E. Parrish Sr., 91, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 17, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospice House.

Born in Oconee County in 1919. he was the son of the late Henry Comer and Safronia Elizabeth Malcom Parrish. He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Inzanell Sims Parrish; his second wife, Hilda Taylor; nine siblings, Jessie Lou, Clay, Robert Lee, Claude, Alvin, Agnes P. Harrison, Gerard, Elizabeth P. Maxey, and an unnamed infant sister.

Joe’s mother died when he was four years old. His sister Agnes raised him and their sister Elizabeth along with Agnes’ children, Dot H. Hawk, Joe Loy and the late Talmadge Harrison.

Joe, a Navy Veteran, was a cotton farmer and a carpenter in his early years. He also worked for several textile companies in Barrow, Walton, Rockdale and Clarke counties until the late 60s. He and his second wife went into the chicken business on the farm where he was born and raised. They were the Outstanding Egg Producers for the state of Georgia in 1980 and the Oconee County Farm Bureau Outstanding Family for 1982. He was a member of Hebron Christian Church.

His jovial nature and good sense of humor made him a host of friends. He was a hard worker all of his life. He was multi-talented and smart during his lifetime, and he was able to repair almost anything. He was an outdoors man who loved to hunt rabbits and dove. He loved baseball and he loved Dot’s pickles and chocolate pie. He was helpful and generous to anyone in need. He was thankful for the help and love he received, especially during his declining years, and he abundantly expressed his thankfulness. He was a compassionate man who had a positive outlook on life, and he will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include a son, Joe Elder (Sharon) Parrish, Jr., Newport News, Va.; daughter, Robbie P. (Leonard) Myers, Watkinsville; six grandchildren, Russell (Marci) Parrish, Smithfield, Va., Stephen (Tammy) Parrish, Glouchester, Va., Clark (Christy) Parrish, Yorktown, Va., Beki M. Passante, Leonard (Cathy) Myers, Jr., all of Macon, Parrish (Amy) Myers, Braselton; eight great-grandchildren, Megan Parrish, Glouchester, Va., Justin and Lacy Parrish, Yorktown, Va., Jordan Parrish, Smithfield, Va., Clay Passante and Cassie Myers, both of Macon, Chloe and Cole Myers, Braselton; and special caregivers, Edwina and John Hollis and Myrna Quarles.

Visitation will be Friday evening, July 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lord and Stephens Oconee Chapel. The body will lie in state at Oconee Chapel, Saturday, July 24, from 2 p.m. until the funeral service at 3 p.m. Dr. Morris Wood will be officiating. Interment will be at Hebron Christian Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his Grandsons and Dan Dawson.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice House, St. Mary’s Center for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, Athens, GA, or to one’s favorite charity. Flowers will also be accepted.

The family is at his residence at 1022 Lane Creek Road, Bogart, GA.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Oconee Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.