Harry Parrish

HARRY JACOB PARRISH, a lifelong resident of Manassas and Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly since 1982, representing the City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and a portion of Prince William County, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2006. Harry Parrish served as Councilman of the Town of Manassas from 1951 to 1963. He was Mayor of the Town of Manassas from 1963-1975. He was the first Mayor of the City of Manassas serving from 1975 to 1981 having over 50 years of public service. Harry Jacob Parrish was born February 19, 1922 in Manassas, Virginia to Edgar G. and Alverta Parrish and graduated from Manassas High School (1940) where he was Student Government President. He was a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1944. In 1942 Parrish joined the Army Air Corp at VPI. He was one of seventeen Americans selected to represent the United States at the Royal Air Force Flight School. During World War II, he flew "the Hump" from India to China supplying the Flying Tigers. Parrish was a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1946-1971 flying Special Air Missions during the Korean War and C-124's in and out of Saigon during the Vietnam War retiring as a Colonel. His military awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit award as well as other commendation medals. He was Squadron Commander of the 757th Troop Carrier Squadron and Wing Operations Officer for the 459th ABW stationed at Andrews AFB, Maryland. Parrish was a member of the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Harry J. Parrish was Chairman of the Board of Manassas Ice & Fuel Co., a family business. He was Past President of the Virginia Petroleum Jobbers and Virginia Oil Men's Association and member of the Petroleum Marketers Association of America. Harry J. Parrish was Past President of the Virginia Municipal League and member of the Virginia Transportation Coordinating Council, Virginia Coal and Energy Commission, Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee and Virginia Veterans Cemetery Board to name a few. In service to his community, Harry Parrish was a member of the Manassas Volunteer Fire Company since 1948 and past Vice President, one of the founders of the Prince William Hospital and a member of the original Board of Directors as well as a former Vice Chairman and Trustee. He was a past director of the Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage, past president of the Kiwanis Club of Manassas and member since 1946. He was a director of the Crestar Bank, on the advisory board of Suntrust Bank, American Red Cross, Manassas Crimesolvers and honorary member of the Haydon 4-H Club. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church having served as the Sunday School Superintendent. Harry Parrish received the award by the Town of Manassas in 1973 as "Man of the Century - Living" for his many community service activities. He was honored with being selected as the Grand Marshall of the 50th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade in 1995. He was awarded the Boy Scout of America award for the Prince William District. And he was honored by having the former Manassas Town Hall renamed the "Harry J. Parrish Historical Town Hall". In 1986, he received the Purple Heart Citation, Military Order of the Purple Heart for legislative support for veterans and their families. While serving in the Virginia House of Delegates, Parrish established an internship program for high school seniors. Since 1982, Delegate Parrish has invited a senior from each of the high schools in his district as his guest for a week stay in Richmond to see their state government at work. Harry Jacob Parrish was a statesman and true "Virginia gentleman" and he will be greatly missed by many. Harry J. Parrish is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mattie Hooe Cannon Parrish, son Harry J. Parrish II (Hal), daughter Judith P. Ratcliffe and her husband Richard J. Ratcliffe and three grandchildren, Mary Jennings Billingslea, Harry J. Parrish III (Trey) and Susanna J. Ratcliffe, all of Manassas. He is also survived by a brother, Frank J. Parrish and his wife Mary Jane; two sisters, Nancy P. Lawson of Manassas and Mildred P. Erisman of Lancaster, PA as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Friday, March 31, 2006 at Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas where funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, April 1, 2006 with Rev. Rudy Tucker officiating. Interment will follow at Manassas City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas, Virginia 20110, Manassas Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 46, Manassas, Virginia 20108, Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 123, Manassas, Virginia 20108 or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to www.pricefh.com.

Harry Parrish

February 19, 1922 - March 28, 2006