Charles E. Parrish
Charles E. "Grampy" Parrish, 73, of Cross Lanes, went home to be with his heavenly father, Thursday, December 29, 2016, after battling a long illness.
He was born December 18, 1943, in Charleston, to the late Clarence W. "Sam" and Carrie T. Parrish. He was a 1961 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School, and served his country in the U. S. Navy. During his eight years of service in the navy, he earned the rank of Cryptologic Technician 1st Class (CT1). As a CT1 he provided intelligence support to Naval Special Warfare, during Vietnam.
After honorably serving in the Navy he returned home to serve his community and fulfill a career at the US Post Office. He spent many years coaching baseball at Charleston Western and is well known for his marked woodwork. Grampy was a long time member of the VFW Post 8516, and Cross Lanes United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn "Grammy" Parrish of Cross Lanes; daughters, Carrie Parrish King and Cathy Shepherd of Cross Lanes; brothers, Sam and wife, Pam Parrish of Cross Lanes, and Jim and wife, JoAnn Parrish of Elkview; grandchildren, Buddy, Turtle, Horse and Buck; "replacement" grandchildren, Addison and Elijah "Lil Man" Deskins; a host of nieces and nephews; two loving dogs, Scar and Millie Deen; Grand-dog, Hershey Bar.
Grampy was a devoted Christian, husband, Dad, Grampy and coach, and his quick wit and humor will be deeply missed by his family.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Cross Lanes United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Gary Nelson officiating. Burial with military graveside rites, provided by American Legion Post No. 61, Clendenin, will be in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, January 2, and one hour prior to service, Tuesday, also at Cross Lanes United Methodist Church.
Grampy will be buried with his faithful dog, of 16 years Lucy Pearl.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to; the Kanawha Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV 25311; VFW Post No. 61, 1412 Wills Creek Rd., Elkview, WV 25071 or Hospicecare, 1606 Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston, WV 25387. Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the Parrish family.