SKIPPERVILLE…Howell Frasier Parish of Skipperville, Alabama and a native of Vernon, Florida passed away on Friday afternoon, October 30, 2026. He lived a long and meaningful life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and plenty of stories and jokes to tell that got better every time they were told! After sixty-nine years of marriage to his beloved wife JoAnn Johnson Parish, raising two sons and usually working at least two jobs while also helping friends and neighbors, he certainly knew a thing or two about commitment, patience, and keeping a sense of humor! Although he faced several health challenges over the years, his passing came unexpectedly, leaving family and friends with heavy hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Westview Heights Methodist Church, 512 Camilla Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Westview Heights United Methodist Church with Reverend Bill Messer officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the church, with a small reception following the memorial service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Born on September 13, 1936, in Vernon, Florida, Howell lived a long and meaningful life marked by hard work, dedication, faith, family, and a wonderful, some may say oddball, sense of humor.
Howell was born to the late Lemma Dean Parish and Theodore David Parish Sr. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he began a long and distinguished career with L&N/Seaboard Systems/CSX Railroad. After more than 43 years of dedicated service, he retired as a Chief Dispatcher, a position that reflected his years of commitment and hard work.
Hal was a member of the Westview Heights Methodist Church in Ozark, Alabama. His faith, love for his family, and appreciation for life were important parts of who he was.
A hardworking man with a great sense of humor, Howell enjoyed making others laugh and bringing joy to those around him. He had a special passion for collecting clocks, woodworking, and loved traveling throughout the United States. Whether adding another clock to his collection or exploring a new destination, he found enjoyment in the things that made life interesting.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, JoAnn; his parents, Lemma Dean Parish and Theodore David Parish Sr., and his siblings, Carolyne Parish and T.D. Parish Jr.
Above all, Hal cherished his family. He leaves behind his two sons, Reid Parish and his wife, Barbara, and Joseph (Joey) Parish and his wife, Charlene. And his legacy will continue through his grandchildren: Caitlen Parish Green, Justin Parish, Jenna Parish Hood, Jocelyn Parish Wilson, and Frasier Parish.
He also leaves behind five precious great-grandchildren: Oliver, Ivy, Ava, Charlie and Finn, who will carry his memory forward through the generations.
Hal is also survived by his brother, James Parish, who was a constant companion traveling in their motorhomes experiencing all sorts of adventures or long phone calls sharing stories.
Howell’s ninety years were filled with experiences, accomplishments, laughter, and memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved him. His dedication to his country, his many years of service to the railroad, his love of family, and his wonderful sense of humor will never be forgotten.
Though he will be deeply missed, the love he shared and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
