Charles L. Parrish

Newport News-Charles L. Parrish (Lewie), age 88, a native of Nash County, NC, passed away peacefully in Newport News, VA, Sunday, September 29th. He remained a resident of Nash County and Newport News throughout his life. Surviving relatives include his wife of 67 years, Mary Buchan Parrish, sons Walter B. Parrish, (Bo), and friend Peter Leddy and Charles Woodson Parrish (Woody) and wife Mary Frances, sister Barbara Hyde. Grandchildren include Charlie and wife Stephanie, Andy and wife Ashley, Woodson and wife Lilly. Great grandchildren include Dallas, Luke, Tucker, Kate, Mason, Emily and Forrest. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th, from 12:00 till 1:45 PM at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Nashville N.C.; A burial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM at the church’s cemetery, Lewie was a real estate developer and farmer. He built numerous neighborhoods on the Virginia Peninsula including Foxwoods, Spring Trace, The Grove at the Marlbank, Settlers Crossing and Yorktown Crescent. Parrish was also a pioneer among North Carolina’s organic cotton growers. He began his career at Newport News shipbuilding where he graduated from the Newport News Apprentice School and was awarded the prestigious Neils Christiansen Award for craftsmanship. After eighteen years at the shipyard, Lewie became general manager of Allsworth Realty and later founded Virginia Land and Homes with his sons. Lewie was a member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church in Newport News where he chaired the finance committee, and was a member of the Nelms, Walker Sunday School Class and United Methodist Men. He was also a member of the National Association of REALTORS (R), Williamsburg Area Association of REALTORS, and the Jamestown Society. Following his family, Lewie’s passions included caring for and growing his multi-generational farm, hunting, fishing and antiquing. The Parrish family wishes to thank the extraordinary bookkeeper and dear friend Betty Fuller for her years of service and guidance. The family also wishes to thank loving care givers Jackie Lynch , Carla Mathis, Joanne Clearly and the staff of Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital. Thanks also go to the leadership of Loretta Dicamillo, NP. Memorials for Mr. Parrish may be directed to Food Pantry at Chestnut UMC in Newport News, VA or Philadelphia Baptist Church, in Nashville, NC.

Tributes

Charles L. Parrish

June 2, 1936 - September 29, 2024