Joe Lynn Parrish

He served proudly in the United States Air Force working on C-130 airplanes. He would often tell you that’s how he lost his hearing. After basic training, he moved into the Air Force Reserves and eventually was honorably discharged. Joe was a very proud Veteran, but often felt other Veterans deserved more recognition.

Shortly after he was discharged, he started working for ARA Services, working his way up in the company and eventually moving across the country. As a Food & Beverage Manager, he had the pleasure to work alongside sports organizations like the Dallas Mavericks, Birmingham Barrons, Richmond Braves, Colorado Rockies, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, San Jose Sharks, Atlanta Braves, and The Tampa Bay Lightning. He also had the honor to work as a Food & Beverage Manager for Woodstock 94’, the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA, a tour with Rod Stewart, and traveled to places like Italy and South America.

Later in his life, he transitioned into being the restaurant manager for Golden Corral in Brooksville, FL and then with Chili’s Corporation as a restaurant manager, first in Tampa, then in Plant City, FL and most recently in Rosemont, and Bolingbrook, IL.

Joe had a deep love for music. His musical tastes ranged from Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Ozzy Osborne, Shakey Graves, Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Johnny Cash, and so many others. Music was his way of life. What gave him the most excitement was woodworking. The intricate way he was able to cut and carve in wood made everyone’s mouth drop in awe. He especially enjoyed teaching his grandkids his skills. Ask any one of his children to see his woodworking creations, he was a true artist!

Joe would always go out of his way to help a stranger and to make sure no one felt alone. He’d do everything in his power to help someone. There are numerous stories about how he helped coworkers and strangers along the side of the road. He instilled this quality into each of his children and grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his children Stacy Parrish-Moore, John (Annie) Parrish, Tyler Joe Parrish, and Jace (Anthony) Parrish-Ladnier; his grandchildren Wyatt Moore, Dutton Moore, and Keigan Ladnier; his soulmate Kim Kase; his siblings Dennis Parrish, Randy Parrish, and Sonya Durr. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Lois (nee Dutton) Parrish, sister Devonna Sue, and his grandparents Clifford Dutton, Aulda Dutton, and Luvenia “Maw” Bilyeu.

A celebration of life will be scheduled soon in Florida. Check back for an updated date as it gets planned. His children ask that any donations be made in Joe’s memory to the nonprofit of your choice below:

Stacy: Illinois Fire Safety Association - Burn prevention and burn survivor camp in Illinois

https://www.ifsa.org/ways-to-give/web-giving

John: Tribe Seminole Heights - Non Profit offering low cost and easy to manage activities for children in Tampa

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NGQR7RV2PCYUQ

Tyler: JDRF - Type 1 diabetes (T1D) research

https://www2.jdrf.org/site/Donation2?idb=1798719302&df_id=2374&mfc_pref=T&2374.donation=form1

Jace: Rally for Raegan, Inc.- Educating communities and helping individuals & families dealing with Epilepsy https://rallyforraeganj.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OehlerFuneralHome.com for the Parrish family.