With sorrow, we announce the passing of our father, Roger Dale Parrish, Sr., after a long illness on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at his home in Troy, VA, at the age of 78. His two daughters, Susan and Kara, were at his bedside.
Roger was born on October 1, 1946 to Krinson L. Parrish and Gladys Wills Parrish in Raleigh, NC. After moving to West Virginia to live with his oldest sister, Bobbie, he graduated from DuPont High School with honors and then joined the United States Navy in June of 1964 as a young husband and father.
Roger served with the U.S. Navy for 20 years as an electronics technician, Chief Petty Officer, distinguishing himself at several commands including: in Yokosuka, Japan (1969-72), San Diego, CA (1972-76), and Norfolk, VA (1976-83). He patriotically served his country aboard several destroyers.
After leaving the military with an honorable discharge, Roger took a position in Charlottesville, VA at Sperry Marine (Northrup Grumman) as a technical writer, and later retired from there.
Roger is survived by his son, Roger D. Parrish, Jr.; daughters, Susan Parrish Dunn and Kara Parrish Lynch; grandchildren, Benjamin Lynch, Leah Dunn, and Addison Wilson. In addition, Roger is survived by step-daughter, Mary Chapple; step-grandson, Nick McCann; several loving nieces friends, and faithful dogs, Greta and Lucy.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janice J. Parrish; parents, Krinson and Gladys Parrish; brothers, Lamar Parrish and Linwood Parrish; sister, Bobbie; and beloved step-grandson, Bo McCann.
A celebration of life service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 618 W. Main St., Waynesboro, VA with a reception to follow. There will be a private inurnment at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, VA where Roger will be laid to rest beside his wife, Jan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
We love you with all of our hearts Dad, and we will miss you so very much. Until we see you again…Love, Rod, Susan & Kara.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
