Obituary
He was born on September 11, 1933, in Hopkins County, Kentucky. He was the son of the late Jim and Eva Oakley Parish. On April 8, 1959, Leonard married his beloved wife, Lois Faye Webster Dixon Parish. Together they shared sixty-five years of marriage filled with love, faith, and adventure.
Leonard proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict in a tank battalion. Following his service, he worked for Hale Brothers and Price Furniture Stores and later owned and operated an upholstery business, carefully restoring furniture, church pews, and car seats. He was highly respected and loved by many.
A devoted man of faith, Leonard was a member of Concord General Baptist Church for more than sixty-five years. He faithfully served as a deacon and teacher as well as being active in jail ministry. He had been a dedicated Gideon since 1980, and he served as a church presentation speaker, sharing his deep faith with others.
Leonard and Lois loved traveling and together visited forty-six states. No matter where they went, Leonard seemed to run into someone he knew or quickly made a new friend. His easy conversation and genuine warmth meant he had connections everywhere, a trait his family fondly teased him about on their trips together. He was very passionate about his Gideon work, always had a quick wit, and was best known for his kindness.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Lois Faye Webster Dixon Parish; brothers, Luther Parish and Dr. J.T. Parish; sister, Linda Sue Finley Polley; sister-in-law, Mary Parish; two brothers-in-law, Bob Cantrell and Daniel Daves; and his great-grandson, Dustin McMillian.
He is survived by his sons, Paul Parish and Dr. Samuel (Anita) Parish; stepsons, Carroll (Jan) Dixon and Tommy Dixon; grandchildren, Rachel (John) Dixon Miller, Tara Dixon, Tenille (Peter) Dixon Pawlus, Emily (Doug) Parish Clark, and Lincoln Parish; and great-grandchildren, Cadin McMillian, Isaac Miller, Autumn Miller, and Olivia Clark. He is also survived by his brothers, Rev. James Parish, Dr. Carroll Wayne (Debbie) Parish; sisters, Lois Cantrell and Dorothy Daves; along with many nieces and nephews.
Leonard will be remembered as a man of strong faith, generosity, and devotion to his family. His legacy of love, humor, and kindness will live on in all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Concord General Baptist Church, 3085 Manitou Road, Manitou, KY, officiated by Rev. Eddie Fleming, Dr. Carroll Parish, and Rev. James Parish. Burial to follow at Concord General Baptist Church Cemetery in Manitou. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and the Hopkins County Honor Guard. Harris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour on Saturday at the church.
Pallbearers will be Carroll Dixon, Paul Parish, Dr. Samuel Parish, Lincoln Parish, Roger Parish, and Gary Parish. Honorary pallbearer will be Tommy Dixon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Leonard’s memory to The Gideons International at https://www.gideons.org/donate or to The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251. or to Concord General Baptist Church, 3085 Manitou Road, Manitou, KY 42436.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.harrisfuneralinc.com
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