William Martin Parrish age 86, passed away from this life on October 6, 2018 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. William "Bill" was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Janelle Hull Parrish, parents Claudia and Joe E. Parrish, uncles Ewell Martin (Nellie), Ray Martin (Gladys), Howard Martin (Margaret), George Parrish (Lucille), aunt Christine Martin Rice (Mac) and his cousin Ray Martin Jr. He is survived by his daughters Linda Parrish and Jenny Parrish, brother Robert Parrish (Mary Lou), nephew Tom Parrish (Corine), cousins Jim Martin and Joel Parrish (Kathy) and first wife Helen Coussoulos Marshall, step-daughters Susan Lawrence (Larry Wayne), Kathyrn White (Richard), Rebecca Cooke (Wayne), stepson Joseph Lindsey, step-grandchildren Lindsey Cooke, Gregory Cooke, Sarah Veler, John White, Alex White, Katie White, Nelle Lawrence, and Chuck Lawrence and great-granddaughter Gracie Lawrence. Also step-nieces, step-nephews, step sisters-in-law, and step brother-in-law.
Bill was born in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated from Central High School where he played the clarinet in the band. Bill graduated from University of Tennessee. He served in the Army. After leaving the Army, Bill married first wife, Helen. Bill started working for Anheuser- Busch in St. Louis, Missouri and moved with the company from St. Louis to Tampa and then to Jacksonville. Bill said that he felt fortunate to be able to work for such a good company and was employed by Anheuser- Busch for 29 years. In 1969 when Bill moved to Jacksonville he visited St. Johns' Episcopal Cathedral. He appreciated the beauty and history of the church. Bill and the family quickly became members of the church. Bill was very dedicated to the mission of the church. He served on numerous committees like outreach and he was also on the vestry. When the church sponsored three Vietnam young men who came from South Vietnam, Bill and another church member became their mentors and helped them to adapt to living in Jacksonville, Florida.
Bill with his second wife, Janelle, became involved in Habitat for Humanity. Bill helped coordinate the collaboration between Habijax and St. John's Cathedral and many other churches who together with support from tradesmen, the city of Jacksonville, and caring Jacksonville citizens built homes for Jacksonville families. In addition, Bill and Janelle were dedicated and committed to the mission of Habitat for Humanity and traveled to North Dakota Indian reservation, Ireland, Europe, Africa, Mexico and other places to help build houses for families. In 2015 Bill and Janelle moved to St. Augustine, Florida to be closer to one of Janelle's daughter's family. They became members of Trinity Episcopal Church.
A memorial will be held at St. Johns' Episcopal Cathedral, Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 11:00 am with interment in St. John's Cathedral gardens. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. John's Episcopal Cathedral Preservation Fund 256 E. Church Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202.
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HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.
