Doyle Parrish

Doyle Parrish, longtime resident of Terrell, passed away on the evening of November 19, 2022 at his home with family at his side. Doyle was born Feb. 9, 1935 in Kemp TX to Homer and Robbie (Adams) Parrish, both of whom met him in Heaven along with his infant son, Nathan Parrish, brothers, W.E. and Jerry Allan Parrish, and loving in-laws, Clyde and Lavena Harris. In 1953, Doyle enlisted in the National Guard as a high school senior. After graduation and attending Henderson Junior College, Doyle remained in the National Guard and also began working for Texas & Pacific railroad, selling tickets at the Terrell train depot. In January of 1956 he met a beautiful young lady named Ella Mae Harris who caught his eye and captured his heart. They were married a short 6 months later on July 5, 1956, in Kaufman, and together they built a life based on faith and family. In 1961, Doyle was called to active duty during the Berlin crisis. After his discharge in 1962, he returned to the railroad. Texas and Pacific Railroad merged into Missouri Pacific Railroad and, finally, became Union Pacific Railroad. For over 46 dedicated years, he was a valuable asset to the railroad operations until his retirement in 1998. Doyle worked in the railroad branches and offices located in Dallas, Mineola, Grand Saline and, for a brief while, St. Louis, MO. During his employment with the railroad, he was active in AFL-CIO where his involvement enabled him to form contacts amongst colleagues, many of whom turned into treasured friends. Doyle was also a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge where was endowed at Artesia Lodge (now Bloomfield and Prairieville Lodge). He was active in Scottish Rite chapter and served on the local councils. Doyle also worked at various times as a night janitor for Doctors Leinart, Mull, and Figueroa, where he gained the nickname, "The Phantom Janitor," or "PJ," to some. When not working and serving others, Doyle loved driving and building race cars, fishing and camping with his family, working cattle on the weekends, country music and, later, spending time with his grandchildren. He and Ella were longtime members of First Baptist Church in Terrell. He was a generous man and would give the very shirt off his back to help another person in need. Doyle was also a very funny individual. Ask anyone who ever spent time with him and they'll surely produce an anecdote or Doyle-ism that they can recall vividly today. Among his many involvements, Doyle was quick to say that the pride of life was his sons. He treasured each of his sons dearly and made sure that not only they, but each person in his family, knew how much he loved them. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 66 years, Ella Mae (Sis) Parrish of Terrell; sons: Terry Parrish and wife, Deborah, of Ft. Worth, and George Parrish and wife, Sarah, of Terrell; grandchildren: Malissa Dominguez, Christina Miller, Weston Parrish, and Nathan Parrish; great grandson, Lucas Miller; siblings: R.E. Parrish, Patricia Johnson and John Parrish as well numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Oakland Memorial Park. Mr. Parrish will lie in state 4:00pm to 7:00pm, Monday, November 21, 2022 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in honor of Doyle to Scottish Rite Hospital at http://www.scottishriteforchildren.org.

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Doyle Parrish

February 9, 1935 - November 19, 2022