Phillip Parrish

"And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." - Matthew 4:19

Phil Parrish, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at the age of 78. He was born in Sanford, North Carolina to Allen and Thelma Parrish. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Allanda Parrish; mother-in-law, Thelda Deloach Godbold and sister-in-law, Sharon Godbold Capell.

He leaves a lifetime of treasured memories for his wife of fifty-six years, Susan G. Parrish; sons, Michael Parrish (Kristin) and Steven Parrish (Rebecca); brother, Tracy Parrish (Sharon); grandchildren, Savannah, Jacob, Madeline, Charlotte and Samuel Parrish; father-in-law, Isaiah Jacob Godbold and brothers-in-law, John Todd Godbold and David Capell.

Phil will also be missed by his nieces and nephews, Allison, Madilyn, Claire, Andrew, David John, Asa, Kyle and Liana; one great-niece and nephew; feline companions, Ebony and Chase; sister of the heart, Sylvia Sweely; many close cousins, family friends and his Englewood Baptist Church family.

Phil's early years were spent in Burlington, NC where he made lots of connections within the community both as a high school alum and member of the wrestling team. He later attended the University of South Carolina where he earned a bachelor's degree in forestry. Upon graduation, he quickly fell in love with forest management and the industry of timber sales and dedicated his entire career to the trade, making lasting friendships along the way. An avid outdoorsman, Phil had a strong connection to nature and God's creation and in his free time, enjoyed boating and bass fishing with his family. Though he was a Gamecock alumni, he always happily supported the NC State Wolfpack football and basketball teams.

A long-time member of Englewood Baptist Church, Phil served in many capacities and considered his pastor and fellow church members extensions of his family. He was a devoted Christian who spread the gospel of Jesus Christ whenever and wherever the Lord led him. He'd happily minister to people he'd never met, whether in the grocery store or other public setting, about the word of God. Phil loved people and it was evident in the amount of friendships he procured throughout his life. He was a light to those who knew him, especially to his family and close friends. He never missed a moment to catch up and tell them how much he loved them. His wife, children and grandchildren were very important to him and his love for them never faltered. 

A beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Phil's love for the Lord, his family and his church will be fondly remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 5:00pm on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Davis-Little Funerals, 2129 Lawrence Circle, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. 

Floral tributes are welcome or those wishing to make memorial donations may consider Englewood Baptist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.