David C. Parrish Jr., an important player in the horse business and insurance business in Central Kentucky, died May 2 in Paris, Ky., because of complications from Parkinson’s disease. A Bourbon County native, he was 90.
Parrish became president of insurance company Clay Ward Agency in Paris in 1961. Clay Ward later branched out and started Indian Creek Farm. Parrish was a past president of the Thoroughbred Club of America and the Kentucky Lloyd’s Agent Association.
Parrish’s son, Rodes Shackleford (Shack) Parrish, is president of Indian Creek and co-manager of Clay Ward.
David Parrish served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. Flying initially from England as an escort to bombers over Germany, he later would fly missions in support of ground troops during the D-Day invasion. His group transferred to France shortly after D-Day participating in strafing attacks on German defensive positions. For his efforts he was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters.
In addition to his son, Parrish’s survivors include his wife of 66 years, Susan, and daughters Helen and Leslie.
Visitation will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Paris May 6 from 4-6 p.m. Services will be the following day at St. Peter’s at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow at the Paris Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Paris-Bourbon County YMCA, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Kentucky Aviation Museum, of the charity of your choice. www.hinton-turnerfuneralhome.com.