Obituary of Duane Edward Parrish

Duane Edward “Ed/Eddie” Parrish, age 74, died on January 30, 2023 at his daughter’s home in Walterboro, SC.

Ed was born on April 15, 1948 in Durham, NC to Peggy Key and Nelson Terry Parrish. He graduated from Jordan High School in Durham in 1966. Following high school, Ed enrolled in Campbell University and then enlisted in the United States Navy where he learned to take x-rays. On August 14, 1971, Ed married Sandra “Sandy” Faye Wheeler of Goldsboro, NC. In 1975, their daughter April LeAnne was born.

Ed worked in radiology at the VA Medical Centers in Durham and Dublin, GA working his way up from x-ray technician to department manager. After 25 years, Ed retired from the VA and then went to work for Duke University Medical Center as the radiology file room manager. He was instrumental in transitioning the entire radiology department from film to digital imaging records. He retired after 17 years with Duke in 2015.

Ed’s passions were fast convertibles, music, dancing, pottery and painting. He was very active in church and sang in the choir, went on mission trips, and volunteered his time to others. He loved cutting up and joking around, and he always ran into someone he knew wherever he went. Ed was a dedicated provider and caregiver for his family.

Ed was preceded in death by Sandy, his father, and brother David. He is survived by his daughter, April Daley and son-in-law, Scott Daley of Walterboro, SC; his mother; his brother Ronald and sister-in-law Frances Parrish of Bath, NC; his sister-in-law Jane Parrish of Columbia, MD; his brother Stuart and sister-in-law Lisa Parrish of Durham; and numerous nephews and nieces.

A celebration of Ed’s life and contributions will be held at 2pm on Saturday, April 15 at Watts Street Baptist Church, 800 Watts Street, in Durham. Reverend Terry Parrish, nephew, will conduct the service.