Douglas R Parrish

Doug Parrish was born on March 18, 1942, in Andalusia, Alabama, and entered Heaven on February 27, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Betty Delaine Eubanks Parrish, his parents, Bobbie Lee and Ora Annie Parrish and his sister, Hilda Parrish Boswell.

He is survived by his daughter, Beverly Dee Skinner (Warren); brother-in-law, James Presley Boswell; nieces, Belinda Parker McAda (Scott), Mimi Boswell Matthews (Michael), and Brooke Layton; nephews, Wes McAda (Nilka), Will McAda (Jane), and Zack Layton; first cousins, Stephanie Theus (Richard) and Diane Black; and numerous other cousins.

Doug Parrish lived a life of love demonstrated through service. He loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and served Him by serving His church. At Bear Creek Baptist Church in Houston and Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, he was well known for his willingness to serve wherever needed. In the last 40 years of his life, he taught middle school boys' Sunday School, led a men's Bible study, served as a deacon and on various church committees, grilled thousands of hot dogs for children attending Vacation Bible School, and, in his later years, washed dishes following Wednesday night suppers. No matter where he served, it was always with a joyful smile, a hug, and a genuine love for the people alongside him.

He loved his family and served them through a lifetime of self-sacrifice and faithfulness. Doug had a successful working life, yet what he did was never as important as why: to provide for his wife and daughter. He would do anything necessary to meet their needs and make their lives better. Most importantly, he was always affectionate and generous with his love, demonstrated through countless daily acts of service and quality time spent with his wife, daughter, and extended family. He also enjoyed family vacations at his favorite place on earth, Navarre Beach. Beverly fondly remembers countless sunrise walks, afternoons playing in the surf, and beautiful sunsets — all with her dad by her side.

He loved his neighbors and sought to serve them in any way he could. In Houston and in Dothan, Doug could often be seen walking his neighborhood streets early in the morning. As he walked, he frequently moved a neighbor's trash container back to the house, picked up someone's newspaper and placed it on the front porch, or collected mail for a neighbor out of town. His favorite part was stopping for conversation with as many neighbors as possible. He loved learning their stories and, of course, finding ways he could help.

Perhaps Doug's greatest way of serving his church, family, and friends was through prayer. Until his body would no longer allow it, Doug was on his knees beside his bed every morning or evening, praying for the people he loved. It was a sacred habit he protected fiercely. We rejoice in knowing he can now see the fruits of the countless hours he spent on his knees.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 7, at 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Dothan, Alabama. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:45 p.m. Reverend Tim Willis and Reverend Steve Peace will officiate. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery in Andalusia, Alabama. Reverend Warren Skinner will officiate.

If you wish to give in memory of Doug, he would be honored if you donated blood in his memory, gave to your local food bank or a charity benefiting those in need in your community, or donated to the Ridgecrest Baptist Church Freedom Fund (rbcdothan.org). His family encourages you to spend time with your own "Doug" this week and let him know how much you love him.