Dr. Clarence "Sherman" Parrish, 85, of Boiling Springs died peacefully on August 6, 2023, at Windsor Run Continuing Care in Matthews N.C. after a long battle with an Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Sherman was born April 5, 1938, in Roanoke Rapids, N. C, he was the son of the late Frank Battle Parrish and Helen Harrison Hobbs. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Frederick Parrish and Joseph Lee Parrish.

Sherman was a devoted husband, loving father, granddaddy and great granddaddy. He is survived by his wife, Joan Parrish of 62 years, daughter Holley P. Pegram, husband Tom, son Tim S. Parrish wife Stephanie, three grandchildren Paige Pegram Ledbetter husband Patrick, Patrick Pegram wife Brittany, Lillian Parrish and three great granddaughters, Parker Ledbetter, Peyton Ledbetter and Spencer Pegram.

As a boy Sherman grew up on a farm in rural Halifax County, spending his early years and summers through college working on the family farm. He graduated as class valedictorian from William R. Davie High School in 1956. He attended Barry College in Rome, Ga., from 1956-1960, where he double majored in chemistry and mathematics. At Berry College he met his wife, Joan Eubanks. After graduation, Sherman began his graduate studies in physical organic chemistry at the University of Mississippi at Oxford, Miss., earning his way as a research and laboratory assistant. He married Joan during the summer after one year of graduate school. He continued his studies towards a Ph.D. degree and Joan began her studies for a master's degree in child development.

Sherman began his teaching career in Campbellsville, Ky., in the fall of 1964. In 1971 Sherman transitioned to Gardner-Webb University, where he taught chemistry for 33 years and served as department chair and advisor to students entering medical school, pharmacy school, and medical technology programs. He retired at the end of the 2002-2003 academic year and was selected as professor emeritus of chemistry. After retirement, the Department of Natural Sciences began the Sherman Parrish Freshman Chemistry Award in his honor.

Sherman and Joan have been members of Boiling Springs Baptist Church since moving to Boiling Springs in 1971. Sherman served in many capacities as a member.

Since May 2003, Sherman volunteered much of this time doing church and community work. His interest in computers, photography and videography has been shared with the seniors of the church and community through teaching of classes and visitation. He also led the church media ministry, coordinated audio ministries through WGWG.org radio and served as producer and editor for weekly pastoral video outreach.

A visitation for Sherman will be held at Boiling Springs Baptist Church on Wednesday August 9, 2023, at 10:00am followed by a funeral service at 11:00am. Burial will follow the service at Cleveland Memorial Park.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boiling Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 917, Boiling Springs, NC 28017.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Dr. Clarence Sherman Parrish.