Obituary of John Tillman Parrish

Mr. John Tillman Parrish passed away Monday, August 20, 2012, in Ozark Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was 78 years old. Funeral services will be 11:00 A. M. Wednesday, August 22, 2012, from Ozark Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Steve King and Reverend Bill Hix officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening at the funeral home from 5:00 P. M. until 7:00 P. M. John was born December 10, 1933 to the late C. H. and Lunette Parrish on what is now the Fort Rucker Reservation. He attended elementary schools in Daleville and Dale County, graduating in 1952 from Dale County High School in Ozark. He worked continuously during this time at his family's service station and car business. He graduated from Auburn University in 1957 with an A. B. S. Degree in Industrial Engineering. His work experience after graduation involved continued service station operation, serving in the 131st Armored Battalion Alabama National Guard and as a self-employed automotive mechanic. Following this he became the Automotive Mechanics Instructor at Alabama Aviation and Technical College. Finally he became the Automotive Instructor at Wallace College where he retired in 1995. John was a member of Ozark Baptist Church where he served many years as an Assistant Leader in the Preschool Department and on the Transportation Committee. He was a faithful member of the Prime of Life Sunday School Class. John was a gracious, generous, hard working, and loving person to his family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Alice Helms Parrish; his daughter, Susan Parrish Betts; and one brother-in-law, Ray Helms, Jr. Survivors include one brother and sister-in-law, Bobby Joe and Dorothy Parrish of Ozark; two very special grandchildren, Robert Edward "Bobby" Betts of Ozark and Elizabeth Lynn "Beth" Betts of Wilmington, North Carolina; one sister-in-law, Ann Helms of Montevallo; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Mike Helms and his wife Di of Columbus, Georgia. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Family Life Center, Ozark Baptist Church, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360. Service Information