Jack Neil Parrish

Born on April 14, 1940, in Columbus, Georgia, Jack was a son of the late Clarence Oswald Parrish and Frances Langford Parrish. He graduated from Columbus High School before attending Auburn University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. While at Auburn, he participated in ROTC and served as commander of the Pershing Rifles, a respected military drill and service organization. He later earned a master’s degree in guidance counseling from Troy State University.

Jack proudly served his country for more than 23 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. A decorated Vietnam War veteran, he served as a navigator aboard numerous aircraft, including the AC-130 Gunship, C-124 Globemaster, T-38 Talon, RF-4 Phantom and E-3A AWACS.

His military honors included the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor with six oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star, and the Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon.

Although his military career came to an end in 1986, Jack’s love of aviation never did. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he briefly worked as a financial planner, helping military families prepare for retirement. However, working across the highway from Shaw Air Force Base and hearing the aircraft overhead each day reminded him how deeply he missed flying.

Jack soon returned to aviation as an instructor at the North American Institute of Aviation in Conway. He later flew checks for Wheeler Industries in Raleigh, North Carolina, before achieving his dream of flying regional jets for COMAIR, the Delta Connection, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to serving as a captain, he became an FAA check airman for the airline.

Following his mandatory airline retirement at age 60, Jack and his wife, Barbara, relocated to Columbia, SC. He continued flying corporate aircraft for GMK Associates, where he served as chief pilot and flew a variety of aircraft for clients that included the University of South Carolina. He also worked for many years as a master tax adviser with H&R Block and continued sharing his passion for aviation as a flight instructor. He retired from paid flying only about three years before his passing.

Jack was equally devoted to his faith. He served as a deacon and spent several years teaching church youth, ensuring that his children were grounded in their faith from an early age. He also enjoyed singing in the church choir. A God-fearing man who knew the Bible well, Jack lived his faith through humility, patience, kindness and service to others.

He was a natural problem solver—the person his family could always depend upon to offer guidance, find a solution or lend a steady hand. He enjoyed golf and, above all, flying. His calm spirit, wisdom and unwavering devotion to his family will be deeply missed.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara Elliott Parrish; his four children, Caroline Parrish of Columbia, Mark Parrish and his wife, Shamane, of Lincolnton, Georgia, John Parrish and his wife, Regina, of Irmo, SC, and Jessica Parrish Gaffield and her husband, Rich, of Gillette, Wyoming; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his brother, Larry E. Parrish of Columbus, Georgia.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel.The family will greet friends following the service at a reception in the Dunbar Tribute Room. Jack will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Jackson National Cemetery following the reception at 2pm.

Jack was the steady problem solver in his family, a faithful servant of God, a devoted husband and father, a decorated veteran and a lifelong aviator. His legacy of service, faith and love will live on through all who knew him.