Ray Parish

Mr. Ray Parish, 68 of Huntingdon, passed away on Monday, May 14, 2018 at the VA Hospital in Nashville.

Memorial services will be conducted 2PM on Friday, May 18, 2018 in the chapel of Dilday-Carter Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends on Friday, May 18, 2018 at Dilday-Carter Funeral Home from 11AM until time of services.

Mr. Parish was born on May 20, 1949 in Huntingdon, to the late William Hubert and Inez Hicks Parish.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, William Parish, Jr.

Ray enlisted in the US Army in 1967, trained at Fort Knox as an Armor Crewman.  He served his first term in Vietnam in 1968-69 with the 11th Armored Calvary.  He was combat wounded and returned to Fort Knox, KY.

In 1970 he volunteered for his 2nd tour to Vietnam.  He then served with the 3/5 Calvary as Tank Commander.  He was wounded again in May of 1971 and returned to stateside. He received 2 Purple Hearts for his combat duty.

Ray Joined the VFW Post 4939 in 1968 and has held every Post and District Leadership positions.  He was an active member in: the VFW; Disabled American Veterans; Paralyzed Veterans Assoc.; American Legion; and Elks Lodge #2152.

Ray is the past State Homeless Veteran Chairman, State Inspector 2009-2010, State Inspector 2010-2011, State Surgeon 2011-2012, State Judge Advocate 2012-2013, Junior Vice State Commander for 2013-2014, Senior State Commander 2014-2015, State Commander of TN VFW 2015-2016, member of the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery Committee.  

He is survived by: Wife of 48 years, Judy Parish of Huntingdon, TN; Daughters, Hope (Jeremy) Brazzell of Nashville, TN and Kristy (Jason)Bro of Bowling Green, KY; Brother, Judge Donald Parish of Huntingdon, TN; and Granddaughter, Kennedy Brazzell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Operation Stand Down, www.osdtn.org; or Parkers Crossroads Honor Guard, P.O. Box 104, Wildersville, TN.

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