Richard Daniel Parrish, Jr.

Services for Richard Daniel Parrish, Jr., 88 of Gladewater, Texas, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2015, at First United Methodist Church in Gladewater with Reverend Dick Dobbins and Larry W. Osborne officiating. Mr. Parrish passed away on November 11, 2015, in Longview, Texas. Richard Daniel Parrish, Jr. was born to Richard Daniel and Leona Carlton Parrish on October 7, 1927, in Smackover, Arkansas. He grew up in Kilgore, Texas helping his parents in the family owned "Parrish Grocery Store". Upon graduating high school he attended Kilgore College earning a degree in business. Next he attended Texas A&M University but decided to leave the university early in order to answer the call to war; entering the U. S. Navy and serving during World War II aboard the USS Iowa. He returned home and decided to attend the University of Texas in Austin where he met his sweetheart Sue Coleman. They were married and began life together in Houston, Texas before moving to Gladewater. Mr. Parrish was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed his "coffee club" time with dear friends down at the Circle Caf" in Kilgore, Texas. Richard Daniel Parrish, Jr. used his experience and education in service to his community through various organizations such as the Manna House, Lions Club, Gladewater Chamber of Commerce, the Masons and the Shriners. He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Gladewater. He is survived by his son, Richard D. Parrish, III of Argentina, daughter, Emory Ann Brincks of Sanger and son, Bill Parrish of Gladewater; grandchildren, Michael Ann Bishop, Brett Bishop, Reid Bishop, Richard D. Parrish, IV, Allison Parrish and Hannah Parrish and one great-grandchild, Jimmy Bishop. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his in-laws, Grady and Eula Coleman. Pallbearers will be Kent Abernathy, Wayne Smith, John Paul Talent, Robert Ponds, Danny Sorrells, and Ferrell Alexander. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Bustin, Elsie Halbert, Vernon Milton, Ray Tindal, Jack Florence, Roy Magers and Jimmy Thower. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater.