Willard Parrish Jr., 83, of Taylorville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at his home in Bertinetti Lake. He was born on June 10, 1941, in Houston, TX, son of the late Estelle and Willard Parrish Sr. Willard graduated from Taylorville High School in 1959 and continued his education at Millikin University.  He went on to work for Georgia Pacific, and from there he worked for Commonwealth Edison for 27 years as an electrical supervisor before retiring in 1995.

Willard was a free mason for 50 years. He had many hobbies which included working in his large vegetable garden, tending to his yard, and cooking. His family will miss his chicken and noodles, which he always made from scratch, along with his homemade “Best Ever” delicious fudge. He and his wife enjoyed their daily coffee at McDonalds with all their local friends.

He is survived by his beautiful high school sweetheart wife, Kay Hannon, whom he felt blessed to have married on January 23, 1961. They had been married 64 years. Willard and Kay had been inseparable since they met in school. They went on to start their family by having their first child, a son, Joe Parrish, and then two daughters, Susan Parrish Wilson (Larry) of Fairview, TX, and Bonita Parrish Gurley (Vince) of Allen, TX.

In addition to his wife and children, Willard is also survived by his siblings: Diane Beatty (Cliff) of Taylorville, IL; brother: David Parrish (Joyce) of Madison, Wisconsin; Pam Stanko of Sherman, IL; seven grandchildren: Brittany Wilson Hill (Kevin), Michael Wilson (Jenny), Matthew Wilson (Bella), Grant Gurley (Samantha), Channing McCormick (Seth), Christian Gurley, Brooke Coltharp (Tyler) and ten great-grandchildren, all of Texas, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, his great-grandson, Forrest, and his brother-in-law, Frank Stanko.

A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Memorials in Willard’s honor may be made to the donor’s choice.

Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at assalleyfuneralhomes.com.