A couple of years ago, I was burying cable at a customer’s home when I noticed a tag on the front of his truck that read “AT&T Pioneers.” It caught my attention because I had no clue what the AT&T Pioneers were.

That customer eventually came outside while I was burying his new fiber line, and I asked him about the tag. He was shocked that I had never heard of the AT&T Pioneers. Not only did he tell me about the organization and what they did, but he also helped me get signed up to become an AT&T Pioneer myself.

I truly enjoyed serving, and I’m forever grateful for the short time I got to know Mr. Hayward Parrish. He was incredibly kind and simply a great man.

I’m honored and thankful that God allowed our paths to cross.

My heartfelt condolences to the Parrish family. Wishing you strength, peace, and comfort during this difficult time.

Our deepest condolences 💐
The Sanders-Porch family 🙏🏾

Hayward was a dedicated volunteer at Atlanta Track Club, and we are heartbroken to hear of his passing. He was a sweet, kind, and humorous man. Always told a joke and then said, " Where do you need me?"

To Haywards family, you have our condolences and prayers. 

     - Haywards Atlanta Track Club Family

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful coworker and friend. We all missed him when he retired from Budget Rent a Car. He was also a friend of mine in my Sunday School class. Yvornnie would always ask me on Sunday morning when she was in Sunday School if he was behaving himself. I always said always. He would tell me about the adventures that she had him doing. I was always amazed at how much he did for other people and the energy he had and the good words about everyone. He was a very special friend. He will be truly missed.
Susan Eason
Budget Rent a Car of Atlanta

"I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family".

With deep sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Hayward Parrish. Hayward’s love and support for his wife (Anita Stephens-Parrish) and for our church family never went unnoticed. His encouragement, kindness, and warm sense of humor were a gift to us all. He will be truly missed. We lift his wife and family in our prayers, trusting that God’s comfort will surround them in this time of loss.

Rev. Damion S. Hutchins
Interim Pastor
Pilgrim Baptist Church, Atlanta

Our dear friend Hayward transitioned, leaving behind the legacy of an All-American Man of God. He served as an usher, a trustee, and a faithful worker in the kitchen for every event. Whatever the church or community needed, he showed up with a servant's heart. Faithful 24/7/365, he lived his life doing the Lord's work with excellence, humility, and love. His legacy of service will never be forgotten. God bless each of you. May His comfort, strength, and peace carry you today and, in the days, ahead.

I thank God for his Son and the eternal life guaranteed for those who are His children. 

Trustee Emeritus  Hayward will always be remembered at the Dixie Hills First Baptist Church. His legacy will be honored at the appropriate time via proclamation, for his family’s edification and the church’s historical record. 

This picture was taken Men’s Day 2025. (Mrs. Parrish was recognized as best dressed and Hayward was attentive to Anita as always).

Funny story: I always referred to Hayward as Haywood. He was recognized last year during Church Anniversary as a Servant Leader for his many years of dedicated service to the Trustee Board, Senior Usher Board, and Kitchen Committee ( he had a special bond with Pat). After the service, he said Lance, my name is Hayward and I offered to have the plaque redone and he said absolutely not, what’s important is that I appreciate the recognition and I love my church. 

A man of God, who was faithful and always willing to help and support all church initiatives. 

Hayward was my role model. He was a dedicated family man who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren unconditionally. He often spoke about his grandchildren. What a proud grandfather! 

I have certainly, and every man who knew him have learned from his ways of doing things. My kids also respected Hayward and he showed them must love over the years. 

Let me summarize by saying the Dixie Hills First Baptist Church family is saddened by your loss, grief is temporary as we know there’s a God who loves us. His Son shedding his blood on Calvary’s Cross signifies salvation for those who believe and we will see our beloved again one day.

Be blessed family, Trustee Chairman and Deacon Lance L. Wise

The Senior Usher Board of Dixie Hills First Baptist Church share in your sorrow and grief. We loved Haywood and he was a dedicated member of our Board for over 15 years. We thank him for his loyalty and service. He was always willing to help and assist where needed. Our hearts are broken as well, we grieve with peace knowing that he is resting in his Savior's arms.
We love you, we're praying for you and the family, and we're here when you need us. 
He'll be forever in our Hearts 💜 and spirit
Loving care and prayers
Senior Usher Board 💜 members

We were classmates for 12 years and friends for 70 years + and even though we saw each other on certain occasions our friendship became a bond beginning in first grade.

As a classmate he had a gentle soul and never needed to be the center of attention.

He walked through life with grace and humility, and always lend a helping hand to lift others up without ever expecting anything in return.

His legacy wasn't in loud achievements, but in the quiet, profound love he showed to classmates.

He possessed a rare combination of strength and soft-heartedness that touched so many lives.

My sincere prayers, condolences  and LOVE to the entire Parrish and Daniels family.

No words can express how sorry I am for your loss as they seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel.  I have no words to ease your pain.

Hayward was such a wonderful and amazing man and will live in our hearts and memories forever.  He was a rock for me, but I know he was even more than that for you.  

Love never dies.  Hayward's love for you is everlasting.  He shared so much of his life with you.  May your precious memories bring you comfort,

I'm praying for you to have peace and strength.  You're not alone.  I'm here for you always!  

May God continue to keep you in His reach!  

God's love and mine!  Annie

My sincerest regrets on the passing of your husband and father.  He was indeed a most kind and courteous Gentleman and Scholar and he, his smile and brief conversations I had with him from time to time will surely be missed.  He surely leaves a void in my elderly Sister’s life as a neighbor she could fully depend on.  God’s eye is on the sparrow so I know He’ll continue to watch over the family and fill in for the neighbors too!   Anita and family, Prayers are lifted up for comfort to each of you.  Depend on God!  Lottie Walker

Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this loss".

My brother and best friend, you were an angel here on earth and I know that you have your wings in Heaven.  This was one of the nicest guys that anyone could ever meet.  He did everything in his power to make this world a better place and those that got to share his world knew what a beautiful world it could be.  Hayward I miss you already my friend for 34 years I can say you made my life better.  Rest in Peace.  Bill

OBITUARY

Brueal Hayward Parrish

January 18, 1948 – April 24, 2026

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services