Melvin Thomas Parrish

June 13, 1940 – August 13, 2017

Service

Saturday, August 19, 2017
Family Visitation: 9:00 A.M.
Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M.

Jackson Street Church of Christ
1408 Jackson Street
Nashville, Tennessee

Interment
Sand Hill Cemetery
La Vergne, Tennessee

Melvin Thomas “Jelly” Parrish, Sr. was born June 13, 1940 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Ed Morton and Pauline Parrish Batey. Melvin attended Metro Public Schools and graduated from Cameron High School in 1958. During high school, Melvin was a successful football player.

He is preceded in death by his sisters, Mae Batey, Ester Batey, brother, John Batey, and daughter Cheryl Parrish step-son John “Pooh” Gooch.

On June 10, 1959 Melvin married his high school sweetheart Georgia where six children were born in this union.

Melvin worked for the Tennessean as a Dock Manager for 20 years.  He was also successful business owner of Jelly’s Market and the Beer Barn.

Melvin lived at the Argyle Senior Citizen Home, where the residents became more of a family to him. Melvin loved playing cards and watching sports.

Melvin was a faithful member of Jackson Street Church of Christ until his illness. He moved his membership to Sand Hill Church of Christ in LaVergne, Tennessee after his health began to fail him.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted children, Melvin Jr, Cassandra Bentley (Michael), Michael (Mary Ann), Adrian (Latamarah), Clifford (Jackie) two step daughters Terrie, Tonya; fourteen grandchildren, Candace, Kanisha, Darius (Rachel), Shonquita, Dominique, LaSondra, Monique, Mikka, Tanisha, Adrian Jr.(Anastasia) , Remona (Darrious), Adrian (Robert), LaQuita, Clifford Jr., Devonta; 30 great grandchildren; sisters Bertha Barry and Shirlene Brown; host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends; and a devoted friend Elva Brooks.