Willard Dale Parrish, Jr.

Mr. Willard Dale "Will" Parrish, Jr., 79, of Mount Airy, died Friday, June 10, 2011 at College View Center. He was the husband of Carol K. Parrish. They were married for 43 years.

Born January 26, 1932 in Ansted, W. Va., he was one of 12 children born to the late Willard D. Sr. and Myrtle F. Pridemore Parrish. As a means to support his mother and younger siblings, Will went to work at an early age in the coal mines of West Virginia. He did this for many years before moving to Maryland. At this time, he began a career as a landscaper in the Washington DC area.

He went to work at VITRO Laboratories, in 1964 for the FMB Department and became a licensed stationary engineer. He worked with high powered steam (boilers), AC and other building maintenance. While an employee there, he was an active participant on the company's numerous sports teams. He and Carol made many lasting friends.

After his retirement from VITRO in 1994 he worked in the maintenance department at the FSK Mall. One job was on the aerial platform, helping put up the Christmas tree and displays each holiday season. He received a certificate of appreciation for the beautiful work he did each year. He was an active member of Aspen Hill Christian Church where he served as deacon, was on the building and maintenance committee, provided his landscaping talents, and played on the church softball team.

He was an avid bowler and softball player, having played on many softball teams for the majority of his life, especially in Montgomery County, where he won many trophies. He loved gardening and would often give away many of the extra vegetables grown each year. Will loved to travel and was a member of the Damascus Travel Club. He had a quick wit about him and could make anyone laugh with his one liners. He was a very loving person and will be missed by many.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Dale Parrish and wife, Toni, of Monrovia; Bill Parrish and friend, Jayne Meleen, of LaPlata; Kenneth Mongold and friend, Lisa Holbrook, of Montgomery Village; and James Mongold, of Bartonsville; five granddaughters, Tara Wood of Leesburg; Tiffany Parrish and friend, Brandon Youngblood, of Plano, Texas; Jennifer Fuller and husband, John, of Laurel; Jessica Mongold and companion, Eric Johnson, of Montgomery Village; and Stefanie Marshall of Frederick; and one grandson, Kevin Parrish and friend, Camille Goleb, of Monrovia. He is also survived by two brothers, Donald Parrish and wife, Kathryn, of Thurmont; and Robert Parrish of Oak Hill, W.Va; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; and many extended family members.

He was predeceased by one son, Robert Mongold; one granddaughter, Dana Wood, three sisters; and six brothers.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff at College View Center for the loving care that was given to Will.

A Celebration of his life will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Aspen Hill Christian Church, 13501 Georgia Avenue, Aspen Hill, MD 20906. Officiating will be Dr. D. Robert Chance, Senior Minister. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aspen Hill Christian Church at the above address or to the Alzheimer's Association, 108 Byte Drive, #103, Frederick, MD 21702.

Arrangements by Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick.