Billy Robert
Parish
IN LOVING MEMORY
Billy Robert Parish
Nov 02 1921 - Oct 11 2007
Oct 11 2007
Born November 2, 1921 in Kelly, Texas and died October 12, 2007 in Celina, Texas.
His parents were Willis Ethel Gifford and Robert Judson Parish of Van Alstyne, Texas where he grew up and graduated from high school.
He is survived by his wife, Arlis Jean, 3 daughters, Diane Tolleson, Annette Gudgel and husband Keith Gudgel, and Kathy Parish-Phennel and husband Randy Phennel. His first wife Ellouise, preceded him in death in 1986. He is also survived by stepsons, Joe Bob Mangum and Mark Mangum. Grandchildren are Mike Tolleson, Tad Tolleson and Kristis Tollesosn Breakell; Alisha Gudgel Jennings and Vicki Gudgel Coonrod; and Bart Parish Whitfield.
He is also survived by 14 great grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sisters, Oretha Cunningham of Lewisville, Texas and Alma Tooley of truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
He was a World War II veteran serving as a Navy Corpsman with the 21st Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He was involved in the battles of Guam, Bougainville, and was in the second wave to hit the beaches of Iwo Jima. He received the Bronze Star for bravery on Guam after saving his Captain’s life. He was a hero in every sense of the word to the family who loved him. He was a Mason and was also one of the founding members of the Celina Quarterback Club and served as the club’s first president.
A Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church in Celina, Texas on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 2:00 PM with Dr Raymond Horne, Mike Tolleson, and Arlitha Green officiating. Family and friends are invited to the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Celina at their convenience on Sunday to pay their respects and to sign the register book. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Sunday at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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