Charles Parrish

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Charles Parrish, 89, passed peacefully on Dec. 17, 2020, in Santa Barbara, Calif. 

Charles “Chuck” was born in Blytheville to James Parrish and Alva Stevenson. Chuck graduated second in his class at Holland High School in Holland in 1948. He subsequently enlisted in the Air Force and attended officer candidate school reaching the rank of major as he served his country on bases all over the world. Concurrently he attended the University of Nebraska and earned a BA in business, the first of his family to attend college. Following his stint in the Air Force Chuck worked as an Army civil servant for 20 successful years and more foreign posts. He earned an MBA from the University of Utah during this time.  

He is preceded in death by his parents and his ten brothers and sisters, James, Edward, Georgia. Dorothy, Marjorie, Rose, Addie, Mary, Ruby and Junior.

He is survived by daughter Karen Madden (Mark); grandsons, Ryan and Tyler; and son Tom (Liz), as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other kin.

Chuck will be fondly remembered by his friends and family for his work ethic, his great sense of humor and generosity.

He will be buried at Elmwood Cemetery. Private family services were held in California, and additional services will be planned at a future date in Blytheville. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.