Daren Parrish

Obituary For Daren Parrish

Mr. Daren Lamott Parrish was called to eternal rest on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born December 20, 1955, to the late Pastor & Mrs. Eddie (Geraldine Sewell) Parrish. He was the second of seven children. Daren married Linda Gill on September 18, 1982; to this union, two daughters were born.

Daren, a man of few words, was remarkably expressive. His facial expressions and gestures conveyed his emotions without the need for many words. He was a gentle giant who loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed watching his Chinese “Karate” movies and cooking shows. Daren enjoyed a good laugh. Daren loved to recount funny stories. Although he never seemed to finish them, his hearty chuckle would always take center stage. His boisterous laugh was very contagious and would warm your heart.

Mr. Parrish lived in Flint, Michigan, most of his life. He attended Flint Public Schools, graduating in 1973 from Northern High School. After completing high school, Daren was employed by AC Spark Plug, a division of General Motors in Flint, Michigan. He later transferred to Memphis AC Delco SPO Distribution Center where he retired in 2016 after 38 years of service. He was a member of UAW Local 2406, Memphis.

Daren accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at St. James COGIC, Flint, Michigan, under the late Superintendent B.T. Stephens. He later joined White Cloud COGIC under the pastorate of his uncle, the late Bishop Robert E. Smith Sr., whom he served faithfully. Daren moved his membership to House of Prayer Full Gospel COGIC under the pastorate of his father-in-law, the late Dr. James M. Gill Jr., where his loyalty and dedication to the Lord's work continued. He served in various ministries, most notably as a deacon. Daren relocated his family to Memphis, Tennessee, in August 2000. He soon joined Greater Community Temple COGIC under the pastorate of Bishop Brandon B. Porter and remained a faithful member until his transition.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of 41½ years, Linda Gill-Parrish; two daughters; Tanae’ (Kenneth Hollingshead) and Tasheinna Parrish of Memphis, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Taylor Loggins, Tiyana Parrish, and Landon Parrish, all of Memphis, Tennessee; two sisters, Syndy and Edie Parrish of Flint, Michigan; eight sisters-in-law, Valerie Leslie, Janice Murphy, Alta (Zack) Smith, Jr. and Ramona Parrish all of Flint, Michigan, Lorraine Murphy and Ruby Gill of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Felecia (James) Jones of Summerville, Georgia, and Elizabeth (Willie) Hill of Faulkner, Mississippi; three brothers-in-law, James (Shawn) Gill & Mark (Susan) Gill of Flint, Michigan, and Timothy (Delois) Gill of Grand Blanc, Michigan; twenty-one nieces, thirteen nephews, five aunts, Gilda Smith of Flint, Michigan, Amy McGuire of Oakland, Tennessee, Dorothy Mack and Gwendolyn Davis of Detroit, Michigan, and Naomi Jones of Auburn Hills, Michigan; two uncles, Edward (Gail) Sewell of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Robert Parrish of Flint, Michigan; special friends, Calvin Bryant and Frank Smith; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Daren was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, two sisters, Joy Causey and Tammie Stocker, and two brothers, Gregory and Phillip Parrish

The family will receive friends Friday, April 5, 2024 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at RS Lewis & Sons 2944 Walnut Grove, Memphis, TN 38111. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 6, 2024 11:00am at Greater Community Temple COGIC 5151 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38118

Interment will be in Memorial Park South Woods 5485 Hacks Cross Rd, Memphis, TN 38125