Robert Elery Parrish Sr., 85, passed away May 16, 2010.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Neva Bernice Owens Parrish.

He was born in Nash County February 6, 1925 to the late Joseph William Parrish and Eva Williams Parrish.  In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by sisters:  Annie Lee Parrish Jackson, Frances Geneva Parrish, Ola May Parrish Wadford, Margaret Helena Parrish Green; and brothers:  Henry Edward Parrish, Glen William Parrish and Arthur Darrell Parrish.

Survivors include daughter, Gayle Parrish Reavis and husband David of Savannah, GA; son, Robert E. Parrish, Jr. and wife Gail of Clemmons, NC; sister Doris Marie Parrish Wood of Winterville; three grandchildren;  and six great-grandchildren.

The family received friends and family at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and other times at Spring Arbor in the Sun Room, 1251 Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount.  Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2010 in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Carl Poole officiating.  Interment was at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount.