David Anthony Parrish

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. Visitation will take place Wednesday, May 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

David Parrish was born in Kermit, Texas on April 5, 1952. He spent his childhood in east Texas with his parents Joe and Iona and sisters Linda and Vanessa.

He went to Ballinger High School and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971. David met and married the love of his life Mary, in 1976. Before moving to Abilene in 1979, David, Mary, and their four children lived at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina and in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

David spent 42 years perfecting his skills as a plumber; achieving the highest level of the trade as a master plumber. He was highly skilled, extremely patient, precise, and always willing to measure twice. David was a mentor to many and a natural teacher at every jobsite.

After retiring in 2021, Dave enjoyed tinkering in the back yard, birdwatching, and mowing the grass at his own pace, which he lovingly referred to as “the slow-mow.” His family knew him as a “dog whisperer,” and he loved curling up in the floor with his pups and taking them for an occasional dog treat at Baskin-Robbins.

David’s favorite activity was spending time on the back porch with Mary. They loved to drink early morning coffee out back, enjoying the sunrise with the backyard birds. They were often caught slow dancing in the kitchen when they thought no one else was around. Mary and David were eternally dating, and their love was always new and abundantly shared.

David was best known as Dave, Papa, and Pops by those that loved him most. He especially loved his children and grandchildren, offering counsel, words of advice, and the occasional de-escalation. David was the level head and voice of reason. He often called his kids and grandkids to make sure they had clear driving directions or to share a mathematical riddle. Dave’s highest praise was simply shared as the single word, “outstanding,” which has become a beloved quip among his friends and family.

David was preceded in death by his mother Iona Parrish; father Joe Parrish; and son Christopher Hale.

David is survived by his wife Mary Parrish; son Tony Hale and wife Michelle; daughter Angie Garrett and husband Wes; son Ryan Parrish and wife Michelle; sisters Linda McQueen and husband Danny, and Vanessa Johnson and husband Pat; grandchildren Jared Gauch, Riley Garrett, Airiel Hale, Carly Hale, Cannyn Hale, Dylan Parrish, Carson Parrish, and great-grandson Cooper Garrett; and multiple nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the entire Hendrick Hospice team. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request memorial gifts to Hendrick Hospice.

Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, May 9 at 2:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel, and Visitation is scheduled on Wednesday, May 8 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil.