George Parrish

George Dee Parrish led a full and successful life. He was an engineer, a business owner, and an accomplished author. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years and pursued a life-long passion of learning. Of all his accomplishments, though, the ones that meant the most were that of family man, friend and community volunteer. Born on September 18, 1937 in Muskegon, Michigan to George and Mamie (Reed) Parrish, George was the oldest of six children. George and Mamie worked hard to raise George, along with his siblings: Ken, Art, Chuck, Winnie, and Posie. George worked as a machinist, while Mamie stayed home to care for the family and run the household. The years in which George came of age were idyllic for raising a family. The Depression and World War II were behind, and the country was entering a time of peace and prosperity. George grew up in North Muskegon, playing with his friends and attending the local schools. In the 10th grade, George became friends with a pretty young girl named Carolyn Carmean, who lived in a trailer park near his buddies. They dated and became good friends, remaining in touch even after Carolyn moved away. After high school, George found his first job working for Sealed Power in the Dynometer Lab. He did so well there, that the company sent him on to college, even helping to pay for his tuition. George received his Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, eventually earning his Masters and PhD. George and Carolyn knew they were meant to be together, and when George proposed, Carolyn said yes. They made their love official by exchanging their vows on July 6, 1957 in Muskegon. For a while, the young couple lived in a trailer in Dearborn while George continued his education. Later they moved back to Muskegon, while George commuted back and forth to complete his education. Over the years, George and Carolyn were blessed with the birth of their three beautiful children, George(1959), Jenna(1960), and Cynthia(1961). The family moved to a gorgeous house on Scenic Drive in North Muskegon, never living anywhere else. George, who had supported the family by working at Sealed Power, decided it was time to branch out on his own. He left Sealed Power to start his own Accounting and Payroll Services Company. At this time, computers were just taking off and George was at the cutting edge of this field, being one of the first in the area to do so. He established contracts with the City of Muskegon and Muskegon County, along with other businesses in the area. George eventually left his computer business to own and run a video rental place, which he called Family Video. He successfully ran Family Video for several years before selling the business. Retiring early in order to pursue his love of writing, George wrote several books over the years, the most notable, a murder mystery called Lucid Dreaming. (He also had a yet to be published book called A Study of Epigenetic Morality.) Always wanting to further his knowledge, George became interested in Psychology and opened an online discussion forum called, Evolutionary Psychology. George enjoyed deep philosophical discussions and this forum was something he thoroughly enjoyed. Wanting to give back to the community in volunteer work, George became an active member of AMBUCS, a service club which was dedicated to helping people with disabilities to become more mobile. When George and Carolyn became grandparents, they reveled in this new role just as they had in the role of parenthood. George was a loving and attentive grandfather, who helped out in whatever way he was needed the most. He cherished every one of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, making sure each of them felt loved and special. George was a man who gave to others of his time and talents. Not only did he support and encourage his family, he volunteered in the community as well. Always striving to grow and learn, he will be remembered most as a man who loved his family dearly. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love him. George D. Parrish, age 71, died Sunday, April 26, 2009 at home. Surviving are: his wife, Carolyn; son, George J. Parrish of Muskegon; daughters, Jenna Slayton of Muskegon, Cynthia Parrish of OH; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Ken (Kristine) Parrish of Grand Rapids; Art Parrish of Baldwin; sisters, Winnie Parrish of Baldwin, Posie Friend of Grant. He was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck Parrish. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 2-4 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home in Muskegon with a time of sharing at 3 PM. Memorial Donations may be made to AMBUCS, 17665 Brucker Ave Grand Haven, MI 49417. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.