His Birth: the year was 1941, a year full of interesting, yet exciting events. Then, President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed the "Thanksgiving Day Bill" and then it happened, the world was introduced for the first time on August 16, 1941 to Robert L. Parish Jr. the fifth child of eight born to Pastor Robert L. Parish Sr. & Lois Wagner-Parish.

His Education: began at Phyllis Wheatley & Julia C. Frazier Schools. He graduated from Lincoln High School where he played varsity football. He attended Prairie View A&M University; he graduated SMU with a degree in Business Administration.

His Career: Robert worked for Congressman Earle Cabell as a Community Liaison an opportunity afforded him as an African American male to make a difference. He furthered his career by becoming the Director of H/R at Lone Star Gas Company and from there he ended his tenure in Corporate America with the Intel Corporation.

The Businessman: with a wisdom infused thought process Robert launched many businesses including The Popcorn Factory, Carousel Concessions and as a vendor at the State Fair of Texas for over 30 years.

His Life & Heart: an avid tennis player, funny man, laughing partner and life story historian, Robert was a blessing to all who came to know him. His relationships with his siblings (with whom he taught how to protect themselves), the friends for which he built a bond that continued throughout his life and the love he showed us all cannot be duplicated.

His Christian Life: Living for the Lord was always a priority with Robert as he personally accepted Christ into his life at a very early age and was baptized at Wahoo Lake by his father, Reverend R.L. Parish Sr. He served faithfully as a Deacon at True Lee Missionary Baptist Church, for over 40 years. He also sang with the male chorus and was a substitute bible study teacher.

His Purpose: was to help unemployed/difficult to employ individuals. He served as the 1st Board Chair at Hope Restoration Inc., the Executive Director for the Southfair Community Development Assoc. and one golden nugget that has truly benefitted many is his role as an instrument in encouraging Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson to seek a role in Congress.

This chapter in the life story of Robert L. Parish Jr. will continue to live as a legacy in the hearts of his loving & devoted wife, Joan Laverne Parish. Sons Robert L. Parish III & Gregory Parish, Step-Daughter Tosha F. Fite. Grandchildren Whitney, Michael & Malik Cheatham and Mackenzie Parish. Great-Grandchildren Dylan & Deion Cheatham. Sister Billie Covington (Melvin), brothers Reverend Donald R. Parish Sr. (Deborah), Reverend Millard P. Parish (Pauline), Mother In Law Mrs. Eva P. Shields, Brother- In- Laws, O.B. Shields Jr. (Deborah) & James M. Shields, Sister- In- Law Evelyn L. Shields. Devoted nephews Antoine & Ronnie Johnson. Special Friends James Swanson, Mike Williams, Mitchell Cyrus, and Melvin Walker along with MANY nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and business associates.

Those who preceded him in death and are awaiting a glorious reunion in Heaven are his parents, four siblings and one daughter.