William Craig Parrish

William Parrish Obituary WILLIAM CRAIG PARRISH SEPTEMBER 14, 1945 – JUNE 30, 2023 William Craig Parrish peacefully transitioned on June 30, 2023, from a brief illness. Craig as he was affectionately called was born on September 14, 1945 to Numedia Harden Parrish from Cleveland Ohio and William R. Parrish from the State of Alabama. Both Parents preceded Craig in death. Craig's mom passed December 25, 1961. At 16 years of age, Craig’s Aunt Hattie Speaks and her husband Tom Speaks lovingly embraced Craig into their home on Saywell Avenue in Cleveland Ohio. Craig’s gentle and loving spirit followed him from childhood throughout his life. In 1947, the Carter Hotel Chatter news wrote this about Craig. “This week's Carter Hall of fame is presenting William Craig Parrish, son of Mr. “Bill" Parrish, of our Room Service Department. William Craig is 16 months old and strictly a personality boy. He is a handsome, light complexioned boy. His big love in life is music and he loves to have the record changer or the radio going constantly. As soon as he hears music he goes into action Sometimes all he does is snap his fingers in time with the music, but it is impossible for him to be completely still. He also loves to talk over the telephone and as soon as it rings, he tries to get there, first to carry on a friendly conversation with whoever happens to be on the other end. We are glad to present such a captivating youngster to you and to add him to our Hall of Fame." Craig attended Doan Elementary and Collinwood High School. He received his undergraduate degree from The University of Akron in 1974 with a degree in Special Education. Following Craig’s graduation from College, he taught briefly in the East Cleveland and the Cleveland School system in the area of Special Education. This is when he left to develop and cultivate his skills in painting and home remodeling. An older Craftsman took Craig under his wing and trained him in a craft that Craig continued to master until his death. Craig along with other tradesmen joined forces that became in demand in Northeast Ohio. Roll N Brush thrived as a 45 - 50-year business from nonstop referrals. Those referrals came from very prominent and wealthy customers that became lifelong advocates for Roll N Brush. Craig developed a group of very competent subcontractors that he provided numerous opportunities to collaborate with to accept and provide highly skilled services that stood the test of time. Moreover, knowing Craig, the customer engaged in some of the best conversations in town. No Charge, just passion and good conversation with a smile! Craig was an only child, who never married. However, if you had children and you were close to Craig, he mentored or played with your children. He would “ruff house play with the boys”, challenge, play and teach the game of chess, encouragement, give money for good behavior and good grades. Craig was Godparent to the children and grandchildren of George Reeder (deceased 2002) Craig’s best friend. Although Tova, George’s daughter had relocated to California, Craig never missed encouraging Myles (son of Tova) to do well in school and to stay out of trouble. For this, he was rewarded tokens of school supplies and money to stay the course. Craig was close to his cousins the Clayton family, two of the cousins in particular were Ronald, and (Frank deceased). Craig also was very fond of his uncle Moses Clayton who also preceded him in death. Hattie and Tom Speaks relocated to Washington DC so that Tom could take on a job at the White House after raising Craig following the death of his mother. When Tom passed and Hattie began to have failing health, Craig made two nonstop trips to Washington DC to bring Hattie back to Cleveland to live in an adjacent apartment in East Cleveland to love and care for her as she had done for him until her passing. In 1962, Craig met Donna Jones Kolb and from that day forward her family became his family. It was then that Craig became the third son of Dr. Wilhelmina Manns. So, there was Dr. Richard Jones, Roderick Jones, little sister Shelly Johnson and Craig. That sibling like relationship remained until his death. Craig maintained a bond with Ma Manns. He would often stop by her home to have tea and hours of chat. They were both hard of hearing and one would wonder, did they hear what the other had to say? No matter what, we knew that they truly enjoyed the others company. They would laugh and talk for hours. Up till her passing, Ma Manns would set a place for Craig just in case he showed up despite a standing and open invitation as did every family member. His place setting became known as "The place for the weary stranger." Craig would play chess, wrestle with her grandchildren, Bryan Johnson and Recee Kolb. Craig was also very fond of the family of Darryl Rodgers. He was “God Parent” to her children. Lynnette (who is affectionately called Queenie by Craig), Ray Rodgers and Henry Woodard. Craig continued to support their efforts, mentor, and motivate his God children as they grew to adulthood. He did what a good “God Parent” would do. He was always there for them. Ray in return was there to assist Craig when he needed help or to get to a doctor’s appointment in recent years. Craig continued to support and encouraged Queenie in her “endeavors through undergraduate, graduate and law school. Queenie was passionate when she said, “Craig was always my biggest cheerleader, always there for me when I was down and needed inspiration to keep following my dream. With all his sparkling sense of humor and using all his counselor skills, I realized my dream of graduating from college and becoming an Attorney”. Craig enrolled me into the National Geographic wine club because he believed a “glass of wine a day was healthy”, He taught me to establish short and long-range goals, and if not working, to reestablish it, as long as it was maintained and followed. Craig told me “Life is not a straight Line.” Attorney Queenie Lynnette Rodgers said ‘I wouldn’t be who I am today without him in my life.” Craig mentored Emanuel Irby, teaching Manny the skills of his trade. Manny worked with Craig while working his way through College where he progressed up the work ladder at UPS. Manny was like a son to Craig, and preceded Craig in death at a young age. Eddie Arnold like Craig was a mentor to Manny. Manny, Eddy and Manny’s biological dad would race cars, tear them apart and put them back together. I would imagine that “Craig would be there for his gift of gab”. This is what Eddie Arnold said, “Craig was a very caring person who went out of his way to help people in need with whatever support he could provide. He was also a perfectionist in his trade and was often sought out by many influential people to provide his service. Craig was also a very humble person never seeking the spotlight for anything he accomplished in life, and I know he is walking around heaven!!!!!!” George Reeder, Craig’s best friend had a nephew, David Lott. Craig lived with David at least 3 times in his life. In the last 2 yrs. David was there to become the care giver of Craig. As Craig’s health began to further fail, David, un-selfishly took it upon himself to visit and assist Craig daily by visiting to help at his apartment. When it came time to make a decision about the long-term care, David took Craig to his home for the last 2 years of his life. David made a personal commitment that Craig would not go into assisted Living. Craig leaves to memorialize his life in memories the following families: Clayton, Reeder, Irby, Mack, Arnold, David Lott, Manns, Jones-Johnson-Kolb-Elder, family of Darryl Rodgers, Attorney Queenie Lynnette Rodgers, Ray Rodgers and Henry Woodard, Donna Jones-Kolb, Tova Reeder, Myles Augustine of California, Speaks family, and a host of lifelong friends and other family members. Craig was a member of St Aloysius Church in Cleveland Ohio, In lieu of flowers or cards: Craig was a supporter of two Organizations. In his memory Donations to: Ohio Boys Town: ohioboystown.org Craig donated money and time to the boys. St Augustine Roman Catholic Church: 2486 W.14th St. Cleveland Ohio 44113 If you had invited Craig to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and he did not show, he was there helping to feed the homeless, Delivery Turkey’s or food baskets. Memorial Service later TBD To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Craig Parrish, please visit our floral store. Read More

William Craig Parrish

September 14, 1945 - June 30, 2023