William "Buddy" Parrish

William Winton "Buddy" Parrish, age 75 of Clay Hill, Florida, went home to his Lord and Savior on June 15, 2015. He was born April 30, 1940, in Clay Hill, Florida. He spent most of his adolescent years in Lawtey, Florida and the surrounding area until his family moved to Avon Park, Florida in 1957. He graduated from Avon Park High School where he was a football star and later graduated from Jacksonville Fire College. He married the love of his life, Norma Jean, in 1961. Over the years he worked various jobs including timber cruiser, correctional officer, chicken farmer, cattle rancher, master electrician, and fireman. He retired from the Civil Service Fire Department at NAS Cecil Field as the Captain of the Crash Crew. He was a life long member of Long Branch Baptist Church where he served as a trustee. He was a member and past president of the Clay County Cattleman's Assosciation, founding member of the Clay County Fair Association, member of the Clay County Farm Bureau, and a longtime supporter of the Clay County FFA Chapters and 4-H Clubs. Most of all he was a devoted husband, son, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. All who knew him loved him. He was a papa to many; if not by blood, by choice. He was an avid stroyteller that everyone gathered round to hear; none could tell a story better.
He was predeceased by his father, Winton Parrish; his sister, Judy Maddox; and his grandson, Ethan Parrish. Left to cherish memories are his devoted and loving wife of 53 years, Norma Jean Parrish; his mother, Mable Parrish, his brothers, Reese Parrish (Linda) and Garry Parrish (Foy); his sister, Patricia Jones (Herman); his daughters, Stephanie Schlemlein (Bobby) and Chereese Stewart (Damian); his son, Greg Parrish (Faith); his grandchildren, Levi Parrish, Keli Schlemlein, Kati Bagley (Michael), Brooke Parrish, Emily Stewart, and Eli Sewart; his great grandson, Bryce Bagley; his granddaughter who is due to join the family on June 18, 2015, Lacey Whitehead; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral Services for "Buddy" will be held Friday, June 19, 2015 at 11:00am at Long Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Harry Conaway officiating. Burial will take place following funeral services at Long Branch Cemetery. Family invites friends for a visitation Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 6 to 8pm at Long Branch Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers family ask that a donation be made to the building fund at Long Branch Baptist Church 5500 Long Branch Cemetery Rd Maxville, Florida 32234. The arrangements are under the care of Archer Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008