Willard Parrish Jr.
June 10, 1941 ~ May 13, 2025
Born in:
Houston, Texas
Resided in:
Taylorville, Illinois
Willard Parrish Jr., 83, of Taylorville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at his home in Bertinetti Lake. He was born on June 10, 1941, in Houston, TX, son of the late Estelle and Willard Parrish Sr. Willard graduated from Taylorville High School in 1959 and continued his education at Millikin University. He went on to work for Georgia Pacific, and from there he worked for Commonwealth Edison for 27 years as an electrical supervisor before retiring in 1995.
Willard was a free mason for 50 years. He had many hobbies which included working in his large vegetable garden, tending to his yard, and cooking. His family will miss his chicken and noodles, which he always made from scratch, along with his homemade “Best Ever” delicious fudge. He and his wife enjoyed their daily coffee at McDonalds with all their local friends.
He is survived by his beautiful high school sweetheart wife, Kay Hannon, whom he felt blessed to have married on January 23, 1961. They had been married 64 years. Willard and Kay had been inseparable since they met in school. They went on to start their family by having their first child, a son, Joe Parrish, and then two daughters, Susan Parrish Wilson (Larry) of Fairview, TX, and Bonita Parrish Gurley (Vince) of Allen, TX.
In addition to his wife and children, Willard is also survived by his siblings: Diane Beatty (Cliff) of Taylorville, IL; brother: David Parrish (Joyce) of Madison, Wisconsin; Pam Stanko of Sherman, IL; seven grandchildren: Brittany Wilson Hill (Kevin), Michael Wilson (Jenny), Matthew Wilson (Bella), Grant Gurley (Samantha), Channing McCormick (Seth), Christian Gurley, Brooke Coltharp (Tyler) and ten great-grandchildren, all of Texas, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, his great-grandson, Forrest, and his brother-in-law, Frank Stanko.
A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Memorials in Willard’s honor may be made to the donor’s choice.
Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
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Words cannot express the amount of pain my heart feels after losing my wonderful father. He will never be forgotten and will be missed more than words can say. Rest in Peace…until we meet again.
Love you forever and always,
Bonnie Parrish Gurley
Momma💔 I love you so much and Grandpa was such a wonderful man. What a beautifully stated obituary. He has been properly honored and he won’t ever be forgotten. He awaits us in Heaven. Jesus has restored him in the Kingdom🙏
Love,
Christian Leon Gurley
Love Always,
Grant Gurley
Kay, this is Scotty. I grew up on Taylorville Blvd., across from you and Polk and Catherine. I remember Will and you well. It’s been a long time but the memories are like yesterday. My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to you and the kids. Take care of yourself.
I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. (He was a very special man).
I was very blessed to have met Willy on January 2nd of 1983 when I came over to his house to pick up his youngest daughter (Bonnie) for our first date.
I will never forget how nervous I was meeting him, as he towered over me….Willy being 6’4” and me being 5’9” with my boots on….lol. I really felt like….if I hurt his daughter….he was going to really hurt me….Over time I learned that Willy was a big man with a big heart….he was a “ Gentle Giant! Once he knew that Bonnie was happy….he was happy! Willy was one of the nicest, most generous guys that I had ever met in my life!
I will never forget the day I went to pick Bonnie up to take her to the mall, I went in the house to get a glass of his freshly brewed ice tea (Best tea ever)….while I was enjoying a glass of tea….he was out kicking and inspecting my tires. He came back in and pulled Bonnie aside and gave her some cash and told her to take me to town to the tire shop to get me 4 new tires….not just any tires….he wanted the best for his baby girl…he insisted that they put 4 new “Michelin” tires on my car, before I drove her to the mall. He knew that I didn’t make a lot of money, and just wanted to help me out.
Both Willy & Kay wanted the best for their kids. They made me feel welcome and a part of their family from day one.
Willy knew that I had lost my Dad at a very young age. I felt like he adopted me as one of his own as he would always mentor me and give me the best advice. He has always been the best role model ever. I have never in the 40+ years that I have known him, ever once heard him raise his voice. There will be a special place in Heaven for Willy!! Thank you Willy for accepting me and welcoming me into the Parrish family! I will be forever grateful! May God bless you & you rest in peace until I see you again!! Thank you for trusting me with your daughter!! I love you and miss you!! You have been the best Father in law that any man could ever ask for!🙏❤️✝️
Please accept my sincere condolences. Willard was such a pleasure to be around and was always a kind and uplifting person. Work with him at the Kincaid plant was a privilege and rewarding experience. One I will always remember fondly.
Over 41 years ago he walked “his Suzy” down the aisle & gave me her hand. After the “I Do’s” he shook my hand and said “Welcome to the family” followed by “take care of my Suzy”. I said “Yes Sir, Thank You!” & off to Texas we went.
1 1/2 years later we were blessed to have Wil & Kay’s 1st grandchild, Brittany Kay. Wil was so excited for us and loved to hold & play with her when we visited. Years later we were again blessed with Mike & Matt. Whether it was a ride on his knee, in the wagon behind the Cub, on the golf cart or listening to a story, the kids loved spending time with Grandpa Wil.
What a Great Legacy: Married to his beautiful high school sweetheart Kay, 3 children, 7 grandchildren & 10 great grandchildren, before going to be with our Lord in heaven.
The last time we were together was a few weeks ago. As we were leaving the hospital after visiting, he said, “I love you kids” followed by “take care of my Suzy”. I said “Yes Sir, We love you too!”