Jessie James Parrish, Sr was born to the late Fred and Mable Parrish on March 30, 1946 in Marion, Alabama. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Michael Parrish and Rev. Harry Parrish, one sister, Vickie Jean Parrish, one daughter, Kimberly “Nette” Parrish and one great-granddaughter Stella-Rain Junie Finch Parrish.
He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He joined First Baptist Kingston under the current leader, Pastor T.N. Miller, where he served as a member of the Usher Board.
Jessie Parrish was united in holy matrimony to Odell Norfleet for 50 years. He was a devoted Father who always strived to give his children things that he never had and lend a helping hand to those in need. Jessie had a big heart.
Jessie retired from Averitt Express and later returned to the workforce at Transportation Services Inc. (TSI) to continue what he loved which is driving trucks.
On January 11, 2020, God, in his infinite wisdom, saw fit to tap his angel on the shoulder and said, “It’s time to come home”. Jessie leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted loving wife Odell Parrish, two sons: James (Pete) Parrish and Jessie J. Parrish, Jr. of Birmingham, AL; three daughters: Flora (Renee) Parrish, Tamela (Rochelle) Parrish of Birmingham, AL and Patricia Sanders of Monroe, LA; six grandchildren: Rodriquez, Tambria, Martese, Jaylyn, Jahmeriah and Tykeria of Birmingham, AL; two great-grandchildren: Braiden and Broady of Birmingham, AL.
He was the eldest of his siblings and is survived by five brothers and one sister: Ronnie (Jackie) Martin of Hueytown, AL, Bertha Mae Underwood of Greensboro, AL, William (Johnnie Mae) Parrish of Chicago, IL, Rickey Parrish of Fort Wayne, IN, Larry (Gail) Parrish of Fort Wayne, IN and Freddie (Fannie) Parrish of Browns, AL. He is also survived by one uncle: Willie (Maple) Shepard of Newbern, AL, 11 in-laws: Elizabeth, Nancy, Mary, Ethel and Benny (Kim) of Birmingham, AL, Lucy (Lafayette) of Waldorf, MD, Sarah (Phillip) of Alexandria, VA and Willie Lou of Cleveland, OH and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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