John Wayne Parish

John Wayne Parish, 83, of Blytheville passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. He was born Sept. 24, 1937, in New Albany, Miss., to Troy Clarence Parish and Alpha Mae Mannon Parish.

John enjoyed his years in law enforcement with Mississippi County Sheriff’s office as a deputy and he was instrumental in starting the Gosnell Police Department. He was the first police officer and the first chief of police and loved his 11 years with the department.

In younger years he loved to travel. In recent years he loved to watch westerns. He was a quiet person...a man of few words.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Carol Hudson.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, JoAnn Parish, of the home; two sons, Jeff and Margaret Parish, of Blytheville and Ronnie Parish, of Imboden; one daughter, Brenda Dixon, of Dell; eight grandchildren, Kyle Parish, Kristen Parish, Karsten Parish, Whitney Parish, Brittany and Tyler Hazelwood, Hillary and Jake Ritchey, Perry and Angie Dixon, and Ethan Parish; 14 great-grandchildren; two special nephews, Steve Hudson and Jerry Hudson; best friend, Jimmy VanBibber; and other friends and family that will miss him dearly.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 2:30 p.m. in Carney Cemetery with Colton Lively officiating. Visitation was at 2 p.m. until service began.

Condolences may be offered at carneyfuneralhome.com.