Wilford Ollie 'Sonny' Parrish, 87, was born December 19, 1935, in Bremen, Georgia, and moved as a teenager to Lineville, AL. Then he returned to his hometown of Bremen to live out his life with his beloved wife, Susan and his two children, Will and Christian. Our 'Dad' and 'Papa' was vibrant, active, funny, and you would have never known he was retired because he always had a project.

'Sonny P' was a guy's guy from a young age and that continued until his final years…from a football star at Baylor Prep School, to skilled water skier, to National Guardsman, to vegetable gardener, to a proud Bremen City Councilman. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Bremen, loved his Sunday School Class, and was a Church deacon. Sonny was a true professional, dedicated friend and an exemplary family man…he was a gentleman in every way.

Sonny and Susan Parrish married in 1963 and shared a full life of love and laughter for more than 50 years. Susan called Sonny, 'Mr. Wonderful' and that nickname truly embodies how the whole family viewed him. He was a student of the bible, our family protector, and the fix-it-man. His Christian teachings and his unique family phrases have guided our family throughout the years.

Sonny was a best dressed man and that came from his success in the textile industry. From sales to administration, from Higgins Company and Hubbard Company to Bremen Trousers, Sonny's love for the rag business showed in the quality of his work and the quality of his incredible sense of style, even in his later days. And his time at The University of Alabama never left his heart as he 'Rolled Tide' from college to present day.

It is often said, "If you did not like Sonny Parrish, something was wrong with you." And at 87 he was rich with friendships as exemplified by his friends of all ages, and many of whom will serve as his pallbearers.

Wilford Ollie Parrish is survived by his son Will, his daughter Christian, daughter-in-law Amy, and grandson Eli Parrish. Sonny is also survived by his only sister, Gwen Willis and her two daughters (nieces) Robin Klotz and Jay McAndrew and their families, as well as his niece, Marion Wasdin, the daughter of the late John T. Wasdin; his brother and sister-in-law Gelon and Alice Jane Wasdin and their daughter Katherine. Sonny is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susan Parrish, his father Wilford Ollie Parrish, Sr., and his mother Dorothy Adams Parrish.

The family will receive friends at Hightower Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 1 from 5p-7p, and host an additional visitation on Thursday, at the First Baptist Church of Bremen on November 2 from 11:30a-1:30p. Then the Celebration of Sonny Parrish's Life will be at First Baptist Church of Bremen on Thursday, November 2 at 2p with Reverend Herman Parker and Reverend Hunter Roe officiating and music by Minister Andy Fowler, soloist Eli Parrish and pianist Sue Ezzell. Those friends and family serving as pallbearers include Allan Batchelor, Brandon Barrow, John Cartwright, Jerry Clayton, Blane Cochran, Ed Hogan, Ray Johnson, Dick LaGrande, Kevin McManus, Bill Miller, Mark Moore, Vann Pelt, Keith Pesnell, Dave Pollard, Danny Robinson, Donnie Rogers, and Jerry Wilson.

In honor of Wilford Ollie 'Sonny' Parrish, the family requests that donations are made to one of his cherished causes including The First Baptist Church of Bremen Building Fund, the NOBTS Parrish Family Student Scholarship, or The Tanner Foundation.