WILMINGTON — George Edward Parrish, Sr., a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away leaving behind a lasting legacy of love, dedication, and service to family and community.
George was born in Forsyth County to the late Kermit Swain Parrish, Sr., and Helen Crews Parrish. He attended Trinity Moravian Church where his love of working with youth began. He graduated from James A. Gray High School in the class of 1955. He attended Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. He served in the Army National Guard for six years. While serving in the guard, he participated in competitive diving, where he was awarded two first-place trophies.
George loved the water. He was a lifeguard at Reynolds Park for several summers. He was later Waterfront Director at Camp Laurel Ridge Conference and Retreat Center in Laurel Springs, North Carolina. It was here on a Sunday afternoon he saw a young counselor getting off the bus who later became the love of his life, Hazel Anne Peeples. George and Hazel were married in Ardmore Moravian Church. They reared three children: Lisa Michelle Stikeleather (Paul), George Edward Parrish, Jr., Eddie (Heather), and Lee Anne Parrish. They instilled a commitment to hard work, strong values, a deep pride in faith, and dedication to family. His legacy extends to eleven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
George worked for McLean Trucking Company for forty years. After McLean Trucking went out of business, he went to work for and later retired from Old Dominion Freight Lines as Credit and Collection Manager. In his free time, George continued to work with the youth. He impacted young people at Trinity Moravian Church, Ardmore Moravian Church, and Bethania Moravian Church. After he retired and relocated to Carolina Beach, NC, George remained active with the youth at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. George’s spiritual journey continued as he was Chairperson of the Church Council at St. Paul’s. He was a Stephen’s Minister. He was active in the United Methodist Men’s Group. He was a Sunday School teacher.
George Edward Parrish, Sr. will be remembered as a loving husband and father and a man who had a passion to serve others.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Carolina Beach on January 26, 2025 at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making donations to Lower Cape Fear Hospice or the Building Fund at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in memory of George Edward Parrish, Sr.
