Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, scholar, performer, writer, teacher and friend.
George David Parish passed away Mar. 3, 2025, holding his wife Jimmie’s hand.
He is survived by his wife, Jimmie; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Mike Mitchell; daughter-in-law and grandson, Rita and David Earl Parish; grandchildren, Caitlin, Meghan and Michael; great-grandson, Dever; brother and sister-in-law, Richard “Petey” and Tonda Parish; nephews, James, Richard and Curt Parish; nieces, Lily, Michelle, Felicia, Tabitha and Tiffany; and many other family members and special friends. He was preceded in death by his son, David; and brothers, Fred and Tuffy Parish.
George was born in Louisiana in 1936. He and his brothers grew up in Jonesville and all served in the military. George met his love, Jimmie Brownson, when they were students at SLU in Lafyette. They married in 1964 and moved to South Carolina where he received his master’s degree and then to Michigan where he received his doctorate in Music History. He settled in Radford where he taught music at Radford University for over 30 years.
A tenured professor, George was also a performer. He supported himself as a young man by playing piano in dark saloons as he pursued his education. He once came in second to Jerry Lee Lewis in a talent show and often remarked how grateful he was that he didn’t end up marrying his cousin.
George played piano for his wife, who called him the piano man, every night at happy hour before his illness.
His joys were simple, a great book, a tumbler of bourbon, the company of his wife, his kids, his family and friends. Though a Virginian for his adult life, he never left his Louisiana roots behind, visiting family and enjoying the food, music and ambiance of New Orleans, his favorite city, whenever possible. Incredibly fitting that he passed away on the first day of Mardi Gras.
He was a wonderful husband and father and led a beautiful life. We were lucky to have him for as long as we did.
The family received friends Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. A memorial service was held Saturday at the Presbyterian Church of Radford with Rev. Morgan Whitfield officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Presbyterian Church of Radford for the Bobcat Backpack Program or Necessities Pantry.
The Parish family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
