Earl F Parrish Sr.

Earl Franklin Parrish, Sr. of Falls Church, VA, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, spending his final days surrounded by loved ones. He was born as one of seven children on February 5, 1945, in Goochland, VA, to the late Lottie Parrish Leabough.

Earl graduated from Goochland High School in 1963. He continued his education at Norfolk State College, now Norfolk State University, where he joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1967, and met his future wife, Lena Mae Baldwin.

He was a devoted husband of 57 years to Lena and a loving father to his son, Earl F. Parrish, Jr. He also played a significant role in the upbringing of his niece, Patricia Parrish Janes.

His intelligence, quiet strength, sense of humor, and generosity inspired and comforted everyone who knew him.

A proud U.S. veteran, Earl commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Chemical Corps and was promoted to Captain before separating in 1973.

After serving his country in the US Army, he continued his federal service as a forensic chemist for the newly formed Drug Enforcement Agency, testifying in hundreds of cases over three decades to help convict offenders.

He is survived by his wife, son, sister Frances, brother Daniel, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at The National Funeral Home in Falls Church, VA, on April 24, 2025, with visitation at 10:30AM and service at 11:00 AM. Captain Parrish will be laid to rest in his Army dress uniform at The National Memorial Cemetery, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042, accompanied by military honors by the U.S. Army.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Heart Failure Society of America (hfsa.org) are appreciated.

Earl’s legacy of family, integrity, and grace will endure in the hearts of all he touched.