Roger Gerald Parrish

Roger G. Parrish, 68, of Rockford, passed away Friday, December 5, 2014. Born on August 9, 1946 in Boydsville, AR, son of Kenneth Parrish and Dorothy Parkins and step-son of Ewell (Caroline) Melton. He married Nancy Boomgarden on January 16, 1971 in Rockford. Roger served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning two Purple Hearts. He enjoyed many things in life including fishing and kayaking, but especially he loved the kids in his neighborhood, and often fixed their bikes for them. Roger is survived by his loving wife Nancy Parrish; brothers, Michael (Holly) Howell, Dan (Sheila) Brothers and Chad Parrish; sisters, Sheila Hancock, Debbie Montgomery and Felicia (Tim) Blakenship; nephew, Joe Howell; niece, Lindsey (Ryan) Hill; and numerous other beloved nieces and nephews that meant so much to him. Roger is preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at First Lutheran Church of Rockford with a visitation from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. 225 S. 3rd. Street, Rockford, IL, 61104, with Pastor Jane McChesney officiating. Memorials may be made to the family to be dispersed in Roger’s memory. Funeral arrangements are being cared for by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108.