Barry " Mac" Wells Parrish
Barry “Barry Mac” Wells Parrish, 75, passed away at Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, VA, with his sister and daughter by his side as he went to his Lord and Savior, after four years of declining health.
Barry was born July 22, 1949 to Thomas Allen Parrish Jr. and Arlene Marie Wells Parrish. He attended Callands High School and Whitmell Farm Life High School. He started working at Dan River Mills then transitioned to working for Norfolk Southern Railway for over 30 years. Barry read his Bible every night and prayed for his family just like his Grandmother Eva Parrish. As a child, he enjoyed riding go karts with his brothers that his Dad built for them. Later his interest turned to motorcyles, then old classic Mustangs and Ford trucks that he took pride in. Barry was an avid scratch golfer and enjoyed playing in golf tournaments and taking golf trips to the beach with his friends. His daughters always said he was our sour patch kid sometimes a little sweet and sometimes a little sour, either you loved to hate him or hated to love him. Barry was known for his outgoing personality, and brutally honest opinions. He lived life on his terms and by no one else’s like the classic Frank Sinatra song “My Way”. The family has comfort knowing he is finally at peace.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia Smith Parrish, Stepmother Cathy Parrish, Sister Glenda Parrish Simpson of Burlington, NC, Brother John Parrish of Dry Fork, VA, Brother Wesley Parrish of Dry Fork, VA, and Sister Stacy Parrish Wells of Danville, VA, Daughter Renee Gilbert, Son in Law Tim Gilbert of Martinsville, VA, Daughter Brandi Parrish Rhue of Danville, VA, Two Great Grandchildren Sadie Hearp and Colson Hearp, and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.
He was predeceased in death by his Father, Thomas Allen Parrish Jr., Mother, Arlene Marie Wells Parrish, Brother’s Thomas Allen Parrish III and Mark Parrish, and a Nephew, Matthew Parrish.
The family will receive family and friends on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Norris Funeral Services, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Piedmont Geriatric Hospital for their kindness and care of Barry while he was a patient there. Thank you, Jon Crenshaw and Audra Fraclick for going above and beyond for our family.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to Danville City Fire Department or Danville City Police Department, PO Box 3300, Danville, VA 24543.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA is respectfully serving the Parrish family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
