Michael D. Parrish of Florence, AL, died Sunday, September 27, 2020 at NAMC.

He was born to Emmett "Mike" & Irene Parrish on November 26, 1946 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Pat Parrish; daughters, Mary Noble Parrish, Darby Parrish (Caleb), and Mandy Irvin (Brent); grandson, Sam Irvin; sister, Patti Stutts (Reed); niece, Jennie-Marie McMasters (Carlton); nephew, CDR Ike Stutts (Caroline); 7 great nieces & nephews; aunts, uncles, & other family in Rockingham County, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett "Mike" & Irene Parrish.

Mike Parrish's career in education in the Florence area began in 1970 as a math teacher at Wilson High School.  Mr. Parrish went on to teach at Appleby before transitioning into administration. During his time in administration, he served as assistant principal at both Hibbett and Forest Hills Schools. Before retiring from the Florence City Schools (FCS) in 2001, he had many wonderful years as principal of Forest Hills School. After retiring from FCS, Mike & Pat moved to Andros Island in the Bahamas where he served as principal of the AUTEC School on the Navy Base for 5 years. Mike and Pat returned to the U.S. in 2005 and he taught math for 7 years at Hardin County High School in TN. With 43 years in the educational system, Mr. Parrish was committed to students, faculty, and staff.  As an active member of North Wood UMC and a teacher at heart, Mike and Pat served as youth counselors in youth ministry for numerous years. He also regularly taught adult Sunday school for the Homebuilders Class. North Wood UMC was extremely important to Mike as he served in many aspects in the life of the church.   Those who knew Mr. Parrish knew his deep love of his family, his love of dogs-most of them boxers, his wide range of musical interests including Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Broadway Musicals, Jimmy Buffet, and many more. And let's not forget Alabama Football.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to any of the following: Northwood United Methodist Church PO Box 2503 Florence, AL 35631; Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue 330 Franklin Rd Suite 135A-192 Brentwood, TN 37027; Helping Shepherds of Every Color  PMB 364 3066 Zelda Road Montgomery, AL 36106.