Obituary of Gary Parrish

Gary C. "Gary-Parry" Parrish died Feb.26, 2019 at age 63, after a brief struggle with complications following open-heart surgery. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvelle McCray, and Clayton Parrish, and sister Karen Parrish. Gary is survived by four sisters: Kay Heppler(Mike), Susie Baugher(Wade), LouAnne Phelps(Don Gross), and Sheila Parrish, multiple nieces and nephews, and a multitude of adopted family, neighbors, and friends. Gary loved and was loved by many: his family, neighbors, Raider friends, AutoZone coworkers and more. He cherished his "girl friends" next door who looked after him like sisters. He enjoyed sharing the cool comfort of their home on hot days, and bragged about the Mexican food they were always making for him. Although he was born in Kansas, Gary considered himself a Raider Nation native to the end. He surrounded himself with Raider Nation friends and memories and turned his home into a shrine to all things Raiders. Six feet tall, always dressed in black, wearing his signature black Raiders cowboy hat, he definitely made an impression. Gary also loved Dobermans and is survived by his "Pretty Girl Cassie." He bred, raised and rehomed dozens of puppies to family and friends, as well as new owners who then became friends. He always kept in touch with new owners to be sure the puppies were thriving. A romantic at heart, Gary took special delight in his self-appointed role as St. Valentine's Bandit. He bought roses every Feb 14th to hand out to family and friends and even strangers. Determined to do things his way, he was making his Valentine rose deliveries the day his health forced him into the hospital. Gary fought with pain and disability much of his life but still gave of himself when he could. A man of faith, he loved and served Jesus the best he could. We trust he rests with his Lord now, free of pain. Cremation was done by Angel Valley Funeral Home and a family celebration of his life will be held in the spring in Kansas.