Wilbur Ralph Parish, 89, peacefully passed away on May 8, 2014 in Memphis. He was born in New Albany, Mississippi on September 1, 1924, and grew up in Tupelo. Mr. Parish proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He married his sweetheart, Mary Prudence "Prudy" Jackson immediately upon his return from overseas. They moved to Memphis and were married for 67 years. He was a self employed trim contractor. Mrs. Parish passed away last July. Mr. Parish was also preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Palmer Parish and 4 brothers. He leaves behind 2 sisters, Sue Carroll and Becky Cone, a brother, Tracy Parish, 6 children, Barbara Hicks (Benny), Julie Lakebrink, Jane Maclin (Jerry), Nancy Trenthem (Dennis), Brenda Vance (Leslie) and Tim Parish (Edna). He was the precious grandfather, known as "Daddy Ralph", to 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Daddy Ralph was an honest, loyal, responsible, Christian man, loved by everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed but his long beautiful life will never be forgotten. A celebration of his life will be at 2 p.m. Monday, May 12 at Forest Hill East Funeral Home with interment to follow in Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. The family requests any memorials to be sent to Alzheimer''s Research (alz.org) or Leawood Baptist Church. Forest Hill East Funeral Home 901-382-1000