Obituary of Gary E. Parrish

Tuesday, September 6, 2011, Gary Eugene Parrish passed due to terminal Hodgkin's Disease. Gary was born in 1957 in West Virginia but spent most of his young years living in Florida surfing, skateboarding, and playing drums. He was raised by Shirley and Robert Parrish and lived with his younger brother, Max Parrish, here in West Melbourne. Later, Mr. Parrish joined the Navy where he met his former wife, Janet Kathryn Parrish, to whom he was married for 22 years. They had two kids, Rebecca and Spencer Parrish who he spent time teaching basketball, water sports, music, nature, academics, and just about life all around. Shortly after the Navy, Gary joined the Air Force and became part of the Joint Stars Program. He remained there through the Gulf War and was transferred to Florida shortly after his return. He wanted to live closer to his parents and loved having the ocean near again. He retired early in 1995 as a captain after 19 years of service in the Air Force. He continued to work contract for the government as a logistician even after retirement. In late 2005, Gary Eugene Parrish was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a rare type of cancer. Initially, doctors expected a quick recovery. Within several months, he was diagnosed refractory resistant and given 6 months to a year to live. But Gary was a fighter and his fiancé at the time, Sharon Martin, gave him great love and support. He fought the battle against cancer for 6 tough years before he finally laid to rest. In memory of Gary Parrish, a Paddle Out will be held at 9 am at Spessard Holland Beach-South and a Memorial Service including a Flag Ceremony will be held at 2 pm at Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday September 17, 2011. Family is invited to visit an hour before hand at Wesley Church from 1-2 pm. There will also be food and drinks following the Memorial Service in Wesley's Reception Hall to visit with loved one's while sharing fond memories of Gary. Donations may be made in his memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.