Darnese Parrish , 88, of Center, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Garrison.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Sunday, June 12, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Chris Watlington officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Born September 24, 1933, Darnese is the son of the late Alfred and Lucille Parrish of the Spring Hill Community.  He attended Martinsville School until 10 ^th grade and graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1952.

He was drafted into United States Army in 1955 and was stationed at Fort Carson Army Base-Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He married the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Corbitt, on May 5, 1955, while in Colorado.  Their first child, Marilyn Sue, was born July 19, 1956.  After his discharge from the Army, they settled in Center, TX.  Vickie Ann was born December 26, 1958, Linda Faye was born October 23, 1964, and Michael Darnese was born December 22, 1968.

He worked for the Texas Department of Transportation for 36 years, retiring in September 1993.

Daddy loved to play baseball growing up and later loved coaching girls softball, little league baseball, and t-ball.

He also loved his horses and raising cows.

He loved going to Friday Night Football with John Holt, Jerry Parker, and Jimmy Matthews.

Pawpaw was always involved in the grandkids' sporting events and rarely missed anything.

Daddy was a great friend to many and admired by all who knew him.  He never met a stranger, always talking with everyone.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Survivors include love of his life of 67 years of marriage, Carolyn Parrish; brother, Robert Parrish; sister, Jean Consford; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sarah Corbitt Burrows and Charles Burrows; daughters and sons-in-law, Marilyn & Larry Latham, Vickie Rudd, and Linda & Tommy Jacobs; son, Michael & Stephanie Parrish; grandchildren, Laurie Latham White, Randi & Jon Lunsford, Matt Latham & Wendy, Adam & Veronica Rudd, Rachel & Michael Quast, Ashley Lowe, and Amber and Matthew Phelps; great grandkids, Blake Latham, Reese White, Ryan Lunsford, Cade White, Jaycie Latham, Laini Lunsford, Noah Quast, and soon to be Baby Rudd; and special friends, Dorothy & Earnest Bailey.

Preceded in death by parents, Alfred and Lucille Parrish; in-laws, Herbert & Audrey Corbitt; brother-in-law, Jerry Consford; and sister-in-law, Sue Parrish.

Pallbearers will be Larry Latham, Tommy Jacobs, Matt Latham, John Holt, Jon Lunsford, and Matthew Phelps.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Parker, Charles Burrows, Adam Rudd, Reese White, Blake Latham, Ronny Rudd, Michael Quast, Noah Quast, and Cade White.

A special thank you to Garrison Nursing Home & Rehab and Affinity Hospice for their compassionate care.