M. Lee Parrish

WEST COLUMBIA, SC - Gunnery Sergeant M. Lee Parrish, US Marine Corps, Ret., made his journey to the Heavenly Father and was reunited with the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Nancy, on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at the age of 82.

Pawpaw Lee, as he was affectionately known by many, was born October 15, 1934 in the mountains of Summerfield, NC to the late Mack Burlon Parrish and the late Maggie Mae Vernon. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and retired after 20 years of dedicated service. While in the Marine Corps he served during the Vietnam War where he received the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals. While serving his country, he received numerous medals and badges to include expert rifles and pistols, medals for Good Conduct and dedication to service and The Navy Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

He loved everyone and never met a stranger. He enjoyed fishing, bluegrass music, and especially, hanging out at the Waffle House where he was greeted with a loud "Pops" whenever he dropped by for breakfast. He was known for cracking corny jokes and passing out pens and gum to all of the waitresses and nurses.

He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife; he was also preceded in death by a grandson, Kellus Eugene Parrish; and one sister, Mary Susan Parrish.

He is survived by two daughters, Anita Parrish (James Buttrey) and Nancy Thomas (Joey), all of Pelion, SC; one son; a nephew who was more like a son, Henry Hilliard; three grandchildren, Patrick Lee Parrish (Caitlyn), Robert William Buttrey (Bobbie), and Chau Nguyen; one great-grandchild, Braelynn Black; and an honorary brother and dear friend, John J. Mariage.

The family will receive friends on this Sunday afternoon at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington from 2:00 until 4:00 PM.

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 11:00 AM in Southland Cemetery on Monday, October 2, 2017.

Flowers are welcomed to be delivered to Thompson's of Lexington or a memorial in the decedents name may be made to the favorite charity of one's choice or Prosthetic Hope International, 1937 Shalimar Dr., Atlanta, GA 30345.