Thomas Mitchell Parish

ANAWALT- Thomas Mitchell Parish, 64, of Anawalt, WV, entered the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, July 19th after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 9, 1952 in Welch. When Tom entered into Glory, he was reunited with his parents, Bill and Clyde Parish; brothers Dan Parish and Vaughn Pruitt; sister Sylvia Ray; and son Marty Wayne Parish. Tom was such a special person who was loved by so many and he brightened the lives of everyone who knew him. He was retired from McDowell County Schools as a maintenance foreman with 30 years of service. Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Ellen Presley Parish; daughter Misti Parish Winebarger and husband Jeff of Locust Grove, GA; grandson Ian Parish of Wolfe, WV; granddaughter Ashlee Jenkins and husband Brandon of Rex, GA; brothers Jack Parish and wife Barbara of Dublin, VA, Charles Pruitt and wife Brenda of Newport News, VA; sister Billie Kay Middleton of Vinton, VA; a host of nieces and nephews as well as many friends that were so dear to his heart. The service to celebrate Tom's life will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Steele and Bill Parish officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton with Jack Parish, Bill Parish, Lacy Wright, Jim Castle, John Castle and Mark Ray serving as pallbearers. Sonny Castle will serve as honorary pallbearer. Friends may call one hour prior to service, from 10:00-11:00 AM at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com