Fred Arthur Parrish died on Sunday December 23rd in Metter GA. Mr. Fred, the eldest child of Fred Absolom Parrish and Beatrice Parrish, was born in Portal GA, on July 31, 1927. Fred joined the army when he turned 18 and continued his military service for 26 years and six months, serving in WWII, The Korean War and Vietnam. Fred attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, at the time, the highest chief designation possible. He graduated from Statesboro High School and attended Georgia Southern University.
Fred met the love of his life, Betty Wynn, while home on leave and married in 1955. After retiring from the military, Fred and Betty operated Parrish Appliance center in downtown Statesboro for 30 years. Fred was a faithful member of the Statesboro Kiwanis Club for 25 years, was a Shriner, a Mason, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Statesboro. Fred was an avid Georgia Southern Eagle Football fan and season ticket holder from the very beginning of the program.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Parrish of 63 years, two children Dennis Parrish from Fredericksburg Maryland and Tanya Lane (Rusty) from Canoochee, Ga. Fred was also proud godparent to Will Clarke (Crystal) and Jay Robert Clarke (Ashley). Seldom were the Parrishes together when Will and Jay Robert weren’t in tow loving each of them as their own; four grandchildren, Rebecca Sonder, Morgan, Eli and Dicey Lane; great grandchild, Jason Sonder; several nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Beatrice Parrish, two brothers, Wayne Parrish and Sam Parrish; sister, Elizabeth Parrish; and grandson, Christopher Parrish.
A Graveside funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Friday, December 28, 2018 in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, GA with Mr. Horace Harrell officiating.
The Statesboro Kiwanis Club members will be honorary pallbearers.
Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guest book and share fond memories with the Parrish family.
Mr. Fred leaves behind a legacy of steadfast love and commitment to family and country. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in the name of Fred Arthur Parrish to the Statesboro Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 472, Statesboro, GA 30459.
Hodges-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
