Elmwood Cemetery

Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma

© Billings Funeral Home
Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

James H. Parrish

December 14, 1933 - June 26, 2021

James and Barbara Parrish of Woodward, passed away in Elk City this past weekend surrounded by their family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 2, 2021 in the Billings Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery.

James H. Parrish was born December 14, 1933 in Glasgow, Kentucky to Horace Alexander and Odessa (Fox) Parrish. He grew up in Burkesville and Campbellsville, Kentucky. He grew up on a tobacco and dairy farm. James graduated from Campbellsville High School.

James and Barbara were united in marriage on November 15, 1952 in Campbellsville, Kentucky where they resided. They had four daughters: Brenda Joyce, Jamie Lynn, Kathy Sue and Patti Anne. They have lived in Campbellsville, Kentucky, Woodward, Oklahoma, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haleyville, Alabama and Griffin and Columbus, Georgia. Jim worked with Fruit of the Loom in various capacities before being transferred to Woodward to open the new factory in 1971. He retired with Fruit of the Loom and continued work in the textile industry in various leadership positions. Barbara worked as a Dental Assistant for many years. He and Barbara retired and returned to Columbus, Georgia before moving to Woodward.

Both Jim and Barbara were very active members in both their church and community wherever they lived. In Kentucky, both were honored for their community service with Jim being named a Kentucky Colonel and Young Man of the Year. Barbara was named Outstanding Young Woman of the year. Jim served on the City Commission in Campbellsville and was Police Commissioner.

They are survived by daughters: Brenda Storey and husband William of Midland, Georgia, Jamie Shirkey and husband Lonnie of Woodward, Oklahoma, Kathy Smith and husband Mike of Elk City, Oklahoma and Patti Kelley and husband Mike of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina; grandchildren: Chris Storey and wife Stephanie, Barbie Storey Weathers and husband Robbie, J.P. Shirkey and wife Kelli, Cliff Shirkey and wife Holly, Dustin Smith and wife Kristen, Tyler Smith, Lauren Smith Williamson and husband Jordan, Ryan Kelley and wife Martha, Jake Kelley and fiancee Tes Ker-Seymer, Susan Story Hildreth and husband Thad, Hieu Storey and wife Josette, Ed Storey and wife Judith; great-grandchildren: William Shirkey, Jackson Shirkey, Lucas Shirkey, Cali Shirkey, Laynee Shirkey, Caleb Shirkey, Kaydence Scott, Kaybri Shirkey, William Weathers, Christian Weathers, Bailey Storey, Taylor Storey, Henry Hildreth, Charles Hildreth, Nathan Hildreth, Austin Smith, Allie Smith, Olivia Williamson, Annabelle Williamson, Ella Williamson, and Ava Williamson; sister-in-law, Mary Latimer; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

They were preceded in death by both their parents, Barbara's brothers and sister, Bobby, Kenneth, Richard, and Donald Latimer, Joyce Spurling, and a great-grandson, Aiden James Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation with Billings Funeral Home, 1621 Downs Avenue, Woodward, OK. 73801 accepting the contributions.

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