Charles Martin Parrish Jr.

Charles “Charlie” Martin Parrish, Jr., age 96, of Medford, OR died at home on Nov. 29, 2024. He was born Oct. 9, 1928, in Cincinnati, OH to Charles Martin Parrish and Bernice Louise Stephenson. He graduated from Carmel High School, Carmel, Indiana in 1946. Charlie served two years in the Navy where he learned about electronics. He also played the clarinet in the Navy band. After discharge, he attended Purdue University in Indiana, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1952.

While visiting his parents in Tulsa, OK in the spring of 1949, he met Billie Marie “Corky” Ballenger. They wed in April 1952. In June 1952, he went to work for Hughes Aircraft. Co. where he remained for 34 years. This job took them to California, Oregon, Washington, Florida, Arizona and back to southern California. Charlie retired from Hughes Aircraft in 1986. Charlie and Corky moved to Medford Oregon in 1994.

Charlie loved being connected with groups of people; the Navy, Acacia Fraternity, church, Friendship Force and the local Friendship Club. He volunteered for Lifeline for many years, helping install and troubleshoot Lifeline units for many, many people. Over the years he enjoyed air shows, stamp collecting, fishing, travel and financial planning. He always enjoyed learning about the weather which led him to develop a shortcut for converting temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa.

He had a good sense of humor. He used his quick wit while engaging people in conversation. Charlie was very friendly and he always looked out for other people. His generosity was always evident.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Billie “Corky”, sons Ron Parrish of Medford, OR and Steve Parrish (Mary Ellen) of Highlands Ranch, CO, and daughters Lynn Parrish of Medford, OR and Carol Parrish of Medford, OR, brother William "Bill" Parrish of Brigantine, NJ and grandsons Shane Parrish and Luke Parrish. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard "Dick" Parrish.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at New Life Church of the Nazarene, 1974 E. McAndrews Rd., Medford, OR.