William Moxley Parrish, 85, a resident of Brantley, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, March 3, while surrounded by his family. Funeral services for Moxley were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, at Cameron Chapel Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Holmes officiating. He was then laid to rest beside his beloved wife in the church cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. 

Moxley was the epitome of a true Southern gentleman. He thoroughly believed in treated everyone with the same degree of respect that he himself would want to be treated. He was also not someone who spent a lot of time in rest and relaxation. Oh no, Moxley was the type of man who truly believed in the value of hard work and keeping himself busy. When he wasn’t working as a carpenter in the construction industry, he was constantly finding projects to do around the house. He especially loved putting his skills to work making absolutely beautiful cedar chests and gun cabinets as Christmas gifts for his family and friends, and, trust me, if you were fortunate enough to receive one of these gifts, you knew exactly how priceless they were and cherished them as such. Moxley also took tremendous pride in his garden, whether it be his prized tomato plants, bountiful vegetable harvests, or some of the most stunning flowers you have ever seen, there was nothing he couldn’t grow. He loved sharing his vegetables with others or providing cuttings from his gorgeous Angel Trumpet flowers with those wishing to try to grow their own. Above all, Moxley was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to the family he considered his greatest blessing on this earth. He loved them all dearly, but he especially loved being “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren and great grands. Words simply cannot express how special the love was between all of them nor how much he will be missed, but his loved ones know he is having a joyful reunion with his dear Doris in their heavenly reward right now. 

Moxley was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Doris Parrish; their son, John Parrish; his parents, Johnny & Vada Victoria Wright Parrish; and sisters, Gladys Hudson and Callie Compton. He is survived by his children, Gary Lynn Parrish, Linda Parrish (Jody) Smith, and Alecia Parrish Rodgers; grandchildren, Abigail Parrish, Trista Compton, Blake Taylor, Dusty Dean, Faith Dean, Michelle (Rick) Wunsh, and Johnston (Amber) Parrish; great-grandchildren, Carson Frazier, Paetyn Merriweather, Olivia & Daisy Wunsh, Reece & Rylan Dean, and Isabelle, Sara, & Jace Jarvis; sister, Sybill Parrish Burgess; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. 

Active pallbearers were Jimmy Beasley, Dusty Dean, Blake Taylor, Johnston Parrish, Jeff Schofield and Kenneth Compton.