Charles Edward Parish

2025. Born in Sherrill, Arkansas to Sweetie Mae Parish Tidwell, Charles graduated from Merrill High School in Pine Bluff in 1964, where he was a standout percussionist in the marching band. He briefly attended Arkansas AM&N College (now UAPB) before beginning a long and dedicated career at Central Moloney and later Cotton Belt Railroad, retiring after 23 years.

Charles was a man of quiet strength and deep compassion. His wisdom, humor, and steady presence were a source of comfort and guidance to many. He took great pride in his blended family, especially in the accomplishments of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether relaxing in his recliner with a grandbaby, “coaching” NFL football from the sidelines of his living room, or sharing his famous homemade popcorn during movie nights, Charles found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Never one to sit still, he was often found tinkering with electronics, working on his cars and motorcycles, or tackling home DIY projects/repairs. He loved the outdoors—hiking, fishing, and taking road trips in his truck to coastal destinations near the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Coast.

Charles was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charlie Sr. and Bertha Nicks Parish; his mother, Sweetie Mae Parish Tidwell; siblings Frances and Lloyd Tidwell; uncle Charlie Parish Jr. (WWII veteran); aunts Arlee Thomas and Doris Brooks; great-granddaughter CyNaa’ Rentals, and his former spouse, Carolyn “Faye” Davis Parish, with whom he shared four children.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Angela “Angie” Matheson Parish; children Carla Parish

Ward, Carl Parish (Jana), Chanda Parish, Carol Parish Randle (Lee), and Brian “Eric” Parish; stepchildren

Cheri Matheson Wilfong (Todd) and Lewis “Jay” Matheson; siblings Willie Tidwell Jr. (Barbara), Beverlyn “Dean” Tidwell, Bonita “Nita” Tidwell, Doris Tidwell, and Leron “Ronnie” Tidwell (Elsie); aunts Lois Hill and Gloria Coney; 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Charles “Skeet” Parish will be remembered as a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend—a man whose legacy lives on in the lives he touched.

Always at the ready when called upon, Charles was our “Superman” .