Joseph William Parish

Joseph William Parish, 72, of Millersburg passed quietly from this life to his reward in heaven prepared by his Lord and Savior on August 30, 2021 at the Wooster Cleveland Clinic Hospital following a brief illness. Joe was born November 19, 1948 in Marion, Ohio the son of Lowell and Annabelle (Stahl) Parish. He married Mary Reed on August 24, 1968. He is the father of Noelle Parish of Apple Valley. 

Joe was an educator, graduating from Marion Harding High School and then Tennessee Temple University.  He began his teaching career as a government teacher at Marion Harding and later became principal at Marion Christian School. He continued his education and served as Superintendent for 24 years at Garaway Local School District, Sugarcreek, OH; West Holmes Local District, Millersburg, OH; and Green Local School District, Jamestown, OH.  He enjoyed his teaching career and always desired what was best for his teachers, students, and support staff. 

Joe is survived by his brother Jerry (Beverly) Parish; four sisters, Joyce Smith; Janice (Richard) Anderson; Wanda (Lanny) Imboden; and June (Marden) Watts; brother-in-law Terry Reed; sisters-in-law Jaquelyn Reed and Karen Reed. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who brought much joy and comfort to his life. 

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Lowell (Barbara) Parish Jr.; Michael (Patricia) Parish; and Richard Parish. 

Joe’s legacy in life is his love for Christ, his wife Mary, daughter Noelle and his family and friends. Joe was a servant in the community as well as the churches he attended in the area where he served as Superintendent. Joe was a man who from an early age unswervingly followed the Lord. He loved to serve and encourage his fellow Christians. As he grew older, he spent more time encouraging his family and friends in the faith. Family and friends were his passion, and he looked for opportunities to surround himself in their presence. 

He was an avid motorcycle rider and enjoyed almost all his trips with Mary right behind him. He also enjoyed traveling in their camper, roaming through these United States as far as Alaska. 

He and Mary were most recently attending the Amazing Grace Baptist Temple in Millersburg. Joe’s last few hours of life on this earth were spent encouraging family and friends to press on in their faith. Faith in God and life lessons taught by Joe will live on in generations to come. Joe finished well.

Mary and Noelle are thankful for the encouraging words, prayers, and acts of kindness expressed to them over the last several days. 

A memorial service will take place 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 25th at Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Ohio. Those wishing to share a memory or make online condolences may do so by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.