Ross "Rusty" Eugene Parrish Jr.

Ross (Rusty) Eugene Parrish, Jr., age 72, of Saint Johns, Florida passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Ross was born on March 16, 1952, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ross was the first of two sons born to Ross E. Parrish, Sr. and Barbara Jean (Etzel) Parrish of Garden City, Michigan.

Ross graduated from Garden City West High School in 1971. Soon after graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps. Ross promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as a Drill Instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. While stationed in California, he met and married his wife, Laura. After Ross served in the Marine Corps, he began a law enforcement career as a Sheriff’s Deputy at Wayne County Sheriff's Department in Detroit, Michigan. In October of 1977, he joined the United States Border Patrol as a Border Patrol Agent. Throughout his Border Patrol career he served at duty stations located in California, Michigan, and Florida. Ross retired as a Senior Border Patrol Agent after thirty years of dedicated service.

Ross throughout his life remained a loyal Detroit and Michigan sports fan. He closely followed the Detroit Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and University of Michigan football. Ross was an avid hunter and always planned ahead to ensure an annual trip to Michigan for deer hunting with relatives on the family farm.

Ross was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by Laura, his wife of nearly 49 years, son Ross (Ashley), daughter Cherie (Gray), brother Rex (Pat), nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews and numerous cousins.

Ross will be honored with a military funeral service and burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan.