James Junior Parrish

James Junior Parrish, 89, of Tampa, Florida formerly of Coats, NC went to his Heavenly home on Saturday, August 29, 2020.  Mr. Parrish was born in Onslow County on June 20, 1931, to Carl and Nora Parrish. Mr. Parrish is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Mary Elizabeth Parrish, and both parents. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Leon, Graham, William, and Flossie Parrish. Mr. Parrish was a graduate of Coats High School.

He proudly served in the United States Army in Germany from 1948 to 1950. Throughout his life, James was self-employed in numerous endeavors and worked up until the last year of his beloved wife’s life, which he devoted to caring for Elizabeth. Always a kind and exuberant person, he loved working at the flea markets where he was able to do what he loved – talking to people and making new friends. He loved meeting people, hearing about their lives, and learning new things. James never retired. He worked up until the last year of his beloved Elizabeth’s life, which he entirely devoted to caring for her.

James is survived by two sons, James J. Parrish Jr. (Vicky) of Odessa Florida, Terry P. Parrish (Debbie) of Kodak, Tennessee; sister-in-law, Paula B. Holmes (Gene) of Dunn, NC; grandchildren, Holly Parrish, Joshua Parrish, Kyle Parrish, Christopher Swauger, Hope Reagan, Preston Parrish, and  David Parrish; great-grandchildren, Kristopher Hall,  Dylan Parrish, Sophia Parrish, Brady Parrish, Troy Parrish, Sawyer Lee Swauger, Taylor Reagan, Jacob Reagan, Tate Parrish, Camden Parrish, Hayden Parrish, and Hunter Finchum.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, September 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at West & Dunn Funeral Home in Erwin, NC.  A Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 pm Sunday, September 6 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Harnett Memorial Park in Lillington, NC. 

Due to COVID 19, the family request you use social distancing measures, and masks are required during all services.

Condolences may be made at www.westanddunn.com

A Service of West & Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin, North Carolina