John Bruce Parrish

John Bruce Parrish, 94, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 10, 2018. He was born January 9, 1924 in Harnett County to the late Eddie Vernon Parrish and Irene Stone Parrish. John joined the United States Navy and was a decorated WWII Veteran. Following his return from service, John worked as a Master Service Technician with NC Equipment Company for 47 years. His knowledge led him to help establish the Diesel Service Program at Wilson Tech and Wake Tech. He was a founding member and volunteer fireman with the Town of Knightdale for over 30 years. He also served in many additional capacities with the Town of Knightdale such as Town Councilman, Alderman, and President of the Parks and Beautification Committee. He was instrumental in the development and establishment of the Town of Knightdale water system. He was also largely responsible for the decorative fencing and flower beds that are seen throughout Knightdale. John received the distinguished Citizen of the Year Award from the Town of Knightdale on two separate occasions as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award. Following the death of his brother, John was responsible for working with the FCC to upgrade WETC Radio Station. John was a member of Knightdale Baptist Church for over 65 years where he served in many capacities such as Deacon Emeritus, Trustee and a member of the Cemetery Committee, to name a few. John loved his Lord, his family, and his community without reservations and was welcomed into Heaven with “well done thy good and faithful servant”.              

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Knightdale Baptist Church, 15 Main Street, Knightdale. Burial with military honors will follow at New Knightdale Baptist Church Cemetery, Mailman Road, Knightdale, NC 27545.  

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Monday, August 13, 2018 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service & Crematory, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545 and other times at the home.

He is survived by his wife of 71 ½ years, Dorothy Green Parrish; children: Patricia Payne (Eric) of Raleigh, Donna Ferrell (Bobby) of Zebulon, and Edward Parrish (Cindy) of Zebulon; grandchildren: Trae Myers (Katie), Kelly Payne, Stacy Upchurch (Jake), Michael Perkinson (Wanda), Charles Perkinson, John Parrish (Rebecca), and Lilly Parrish; great-grandchildren: Kaitlin, Camden, Caleb, Jayden, and Justin; brother, Paul Parrish (Susan) of Spartanburg, SC.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Edna Lindsey, Lottie Flowers; and his brother, Lewis Parrish. 

Flowers are welcomed or memorial contributions may be made to Knightdale Baptist Church, PO Box 21, Knightdale, NC 27545.

The family would like to thank John’s caretaker, Rebecca Parrish as well as the staff of Transitions LifeCare.

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