Rodney E Parrish Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Rodney “Rod” Eugene Parrish, age 76, of Carbondale, departed this life on President’s Day, February 17, 2020 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Rod fought a valiant fight against cancer in his last months. Rod was born September 28, 1943 at St. Andrews Hospital in Murphysboro. He was the first of two sons born to Ira E and Lucille (nee Endres) Parrish also of Carbondale. He was a graduate of Southern Illinois University’s University High School, Class of 1961. Rod proudly served his country by enlisting in the US Army and ended his career at the rank of Sergeant E5; he was an expert rifleman, receiving the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, National Defense Services Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device Bar 1960 and the Overseas Service Bar as a Combat Engineer. In civilian life Rod was known as an exceptional finish carpenter; he and his family built both commercial and residential property throughout Southern Illinois. In November 2017 he received Honorary Membership in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters having completed 50 years of continuous service. He also retired from Southern Illinois University as a carpenter after 20 years of service. One of his great joys were the 15 years he spent as the owner/ operator of Gatsby’s II Bar and Billiards where he was kept young with the influences of all the college students that both worked and frequented the bar as customers. Left to mourn his passing are his sons, Nathan Thompson Parrish of Carbondale and Ryan Scott Parrish (Shelly) of Chicago IL; his special friend, Lora Hurt of DeSoto; brother, Robert “Kent” Parrish (Sally) of Carbondale; one nephew, Mark Parrish of Carbondale; other family members and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial Service will be Friday, February 21, 2020 at 7:00 pm in Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Gray officiating. Military rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wright-Way Rescue Shelter 8459 Old Highway 13, Murphysboro, Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Rodney E Parrish

September 28, 1943 - February 17, 2020

Obituary & Service

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Rodney E Parrish

September 28, 1943 - February 17, 2020

Obituary & Service

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