Cornelius Carter Parrish Jr. was born January 18, 1929 in Stuarts Draft, Va. He was the youngest and last survivor of 10 children born to Lovie and Cornelius Parrish Sr.
He was educated in Stuarts Draft where he attended Booker T. Washington High School.
Cornelius left home to join the United States Army, where he served for 26 years. He was a veteran of World War II and The Korean War. He acquired the rank of Staff Sergeant and the occupation of Executive Chef. Cornelius continued this career into his civilian life. Cornelius received many medals and awards for his service. It afforded him the opportunity to live in various places such as Alaska; where only he would be brave enough to drive from Alaska to Virginia.
He lived in many places, but decided to make Philadelphia his home, where he lived with his family after his most honorable discharge. He was a great Father and Husband. He was preceded in death by his first wife Susie Whitlock Parrish. He was a wonderful father to their two children son Duwayne, who also preceded him in death, and daughter Connie.
In September of 1997 he married Dorothy Wells. He was a loving husband to Dorothy and an excellent father to his step-children: Jan, who preceded him in death, James, Shawne and Libby. It was his nature to be a devoted husband and caring father.
Cornelius and Dorothy had a great life in Philadelphia for many years. They decided to retire and move to their hometown of Stuarts Draft Va. It was here that Cornelius enjoyed his flower bed and his vegetable garden. He also loved riding his lawn mower.
His favorite pass time was collecting miniature antiques cars and trucks and watching Old Western movies.
Mr. C, as he was affectionally known, had a great sense of humor. He was a wonderful man, one of a kind, who everyone loved.
On November 7, 2019, Cornelius departed this life for his heavenly home.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy Parrish, his daughter Connie Parrish of Phila., PA. daughter in law Dolly Parrish of Phila. PA., stepdaughter Betty Jones (Melvin) of Phila. PA., stepsons James Wells (Patricia) Abington PA., and Shawne Awkward of Stuarts Draft VA., 2 grandchildren, Monique (Ronald) and Marvin both of Phila. PA. 10 step grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 23 step great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and a numerous host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day
(2 Timothy 4: 7 - 8a)
SERVICES:
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 415 North Augusta Street, Staunton. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00am until the hour of the service, 11:00am. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Waynesboro.
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Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville is serving the family.
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