Obituary of William Michael Parrish

William Michael Parrish died June 30, 2016. He was born November 5, 1953 and always cherished memories of growing up on the farm of his beloved Grandma Parrish in Cave Spring with his parents Bill and Sarah Ann and his brothers Steve and Joe. His daughters Becca and Annie brought him his greatest happiness in life. A gifted teacher, Mike was devoted to his students, especially those with challenges. He worked at several Franklin County schools, Thunder Ridge High School in Natural Bridge, and Project Search. His lifelong friend the Reverend Robin Colwell will lead a celebration of Mike’s life at Calvary United Methodist Church in Salem on Friday, July 8 at 11:00 a.m. A consummate host, Mike would want all his friends and family to celebrate his life with a meal following the service. The family requests that those kind enough to remember Mike with a gift will make donations to Creative Therapy Care (Mona’s Ark) where Annie and many others with special needs enjoy Mona’s animals. Mona’s community plans a permanent memorial for Mike there at 8249 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24019. Mike, along with his family, was most grateful for the extraordinary care provided by the staffs of The Oaks at Richfield and Good Samaritan Hospice. “The only word for goodness is good, and it is not enough.” Pat Conroy