Billy "Bill" Parrish

Billy “Bill” Parrish, 76, passed away Monday, June 1, 2015, in Ankeny, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday June 4, 2015 at the Ankeny United Church of Christ (602 SE Delaware Ave., Ankeny Iowa 50023). Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday June 5th at Ankeny United Church of Christ with burial and military honors to follow at Oralabor Cemetery.

Bill was born June 7, 1938 to William and Irene (Odin) Parrish in Fraser, Iowa. He graduated from Ankeny High School in 1956 and then served his country in both the Navy and the Army. He met the love of his life, Shirley Ogilvie, and they were united in marriage on June 5, 1959. To this union they were blessed with three children. Bill and Shirley were just a few days shy of celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary.

Bill worked for the Post Office before retiring, and continued to work after retirement for both Karl Chevrolet and Bob Brown Chevrolet. He was an avid coin collector as a member of the Ames Coin Club as well as a member of the Iowa Numismatic Association for over 30 years. Bill had a huge heart and he had the ability to carry on a conversation with anyone, always finding common ground.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; two daughters, Paula (Brad) Cherry and Deb (Jerry) Fischer; son, Ron (Angie) Parrish; six grandchildren, Lindsay and Scott Lincoln, Mathew and Emily Righi, Austin Parrish, Megan Fischer; two great-grandchildren, Braiden and Addison Mishler; brother, Jim Parrish; three sisters, Joni (Noal “Tex”) Davis, Jean (Jim) McVicker and Lanette “Reon” Hayward; mother-in-law, Marge Swartfager; and many nieces and nephews who he dearly loved. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gary and Tom; and sisters, Polly Littell and Norene Hillman.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa or to the church. Online condolences may be shared on Bill’s page at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com.

"DAD WAS A TALKER, A TEASER, AND A JOKER. BUT MOST OF ALL DAD WAS A FAMILY MAN. THERE WASN'T ANYTHING HE WOULDN'T DO FOR A STRANGER, AND HE WOULD "OVER DO" FOR HIS FAMILY. THIS BECAME EVEN MORE APPARENT AFTER MOM'S COPD DISEASE WORSENED. HE DID IT ALL AND WOULD NOT ASK FOR HELP. HE WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. AFTER ALL - HE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO KNEW HOW TO MAKE MOM'S BREAKFAST DRINK JUST RIGHT (55 SECONDS IN THE MICROWAVE); AND THE FACT THAT YOU ADDED 5 SHRIMP TO MOM'S FAVORITE CUP OF NOODLES. HE DID IT HIS WAY, THE "RIGHT WAY" - FILLED AND SERVED WITH LOVE.

DAD WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH!"