Obituary of Charles Edward Parrish

Charles Edward “Chuck” Parrish, 86, passed away on August 17, 2016 at the Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes Assisted Living Facility in Vernon Hills, IL after a prolonged illness. He was born on January 24, 1930 near Hatley, MS to James and Lou Chester Cantrell Parish. Growing up during the Depression and World War II, he understood hard economic conditions and the necessity of hard work to achieve one’s goals. As a boy he worked on the farm and delivered ice to homes. He attended Hatley schools where he was a member of the basketball team. He enlisted in the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper at the age of 17. He was deployed to Japan and earned an Occupational medal as part of the American post-World War II force. After serving 3 years, he was honorably discharged on July 3, 1950. Afterwards Chuck moved to Waukegan, IL where on August 4, 1951 he married Lois Christian of Fulton, MS. In 1960 he founded Circle Concrete which is still located in Zion, IL. Through ingenuity and hard work he built Circle into a profitable, well respected family business. He never really retired and continued to offer advice and insights until his death. His key to success was built on treating others as he would want to be treated. People loved his quick wit. He always loved a humorous story. Remembering his early years on the farm, he would not hesitate to extend whatever he had in order to help others in need. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling throughout the United States with Lois in their motor home. A meal of southern fried catfish and hushpuppies was always a delight, as was Lois’s banana pudding. He was a longtime member of Immanuel Church in Gurnee, IL. Chuck understood the temporary nature of this world and put his trust in Jesus Christ to deliver him into eternal life. We have the joy of knowing that he is with the Lord and we celebrate the time we had with him. Chuck loved his family and his influence will never be diminished. Survivors include his wife Lois Parrish, Vernon Hills, IL; sons, Tommy Parish (Theresa), Amory, MS, Chuck Parrish (Karen), Libertyville, IL, Mike Parrish (Sue), Beach Park, IL; daughter, Melissa Castiglia (Andy), Wheeling, IL; grandchildren Amy Parrish, Mill Valley, CA, Kevin Parrish, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Michael Parrish, Chicago, IL, David Parrish, Libertyville, IL, Matthew Parrish, Beach Park, IL, Eric Castiglia, Wheeling, IL and Katelyn Castiglia, Wheeling, IL. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents; cousins Lorse and Lavern Parish, Hatley, MS and half-brother Bill Cody, Tupelo, MS. Funeral services will be 10:15 am Saturday August 20th at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place (Rt 176, 1 Block East of Milwaukee Ave) Libertyville where there will be a visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service. Interment with military honors will follow at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to “Operation Heal Our Patriots”, Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC28607 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/about-operation-heal-our-patriots or American Diabetes Assn. www.diabetes.org would be greatly appreciated. Funeral information (847) 362-2626 please sign the guestbook at libertyvillefuneralhome.com