William Parish's Obituary
WILLIAM WHEELER PARISH, of Memphis, TN, died at his residence Saturday, January 15, 2011. He was ninety years old. Mr. Parish was born February 12, 1920 in Madison County, TN. He attended Sewanee Military Academy from 1935-1937 and graduated from Jackson High School in 1938 where he was a member of Phi Kappa Fraternity. In 1942, he received a B.S. degree in business administration and in 1945, a law degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He began his law practice in Memphis with Robert M. Nelson and has been associated with several attorneys during his career. He was active in his practice until April 2010. Mr. Parish was a member of Church of the Holy Communion, Sigma Chi fraternity, The Order of Constantine, Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association and the University Club of Memphis. A man of noble character, Mr. Parish exemplified integrity. He was a patient and kind person and was devoted to his family. Mr. Parish was a “gentleman’s gentleman” and lived every day with dignity, earnestness and loyalty. Many will feel the void left by his absence. Mr. Parish was preceded in death by his wife, of 49 years, Lois Alcorn Parish and his parents, Edgar Green and Edna Wheeler Parish. he leaves four daughters, Dorothy P. Peterson (Walter) of Greenville, NC, Bonnie P. Moody of Oakland, TN, Mary Edna Parish of Memphis and Billie P. Lamier of Memphis. He leaves six grandchildren, Walter Peterson, Jr. (Lisa), Katie Clark, William Parish Peterson, all of Greenville, NC, Benjamin Parish Moody of Lewistown, MT, Lacye Stephens (Tony) of San Diego, CA and Lauren Tranum (Jacob) of Collierville, TN. He also leaves eight great-grandchildren and a special niece, Louise Parish Stevens of Denmark, TN. Visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home Monday, January 17, from 5-7 p.m. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 18, at Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove Rd, beginning at Noon followed by a service at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Memphis Humane Society or the Church of the Holy Communion. Memorial Park Funeral Home, “Behind the stone wall”, 901-767-8930.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?