William "Bill" Ray Parrish

William “Bill” Ray Parrish, 85, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at Orchard Creek.

Bill was born on June 8, 1941, in Paducah, Kentucky, to the late LaFayette and Virginia (Verhines) Parrish. He grew up in Metropolis, Illinois, and graduated from Massac High School in 1959. He went on to earn an Associate Degree in Business from Southern Illinois University.

Bill served our country honorably in the United States Air Force, serving in the Guard, Reserves, and active duty beginning in 1962.

On April 4, 1964, he married the love of his life, the former Loretta Ann Beeby, in Springfield, Illinois. Together, they shared many adventures and raised a beautiful family.

Bill worked for many years in retail management before retiring and becoming a school bus driver. He loved the children he transported and the time he spent with them, even writing a book about his experiences behind the wheel titled The Adventures of Mr. Bill.

A toy train enthusiast, Bill was a proud member of the Northern Michigan Railroad Club. He volunteered for years at the club’s annual holiday train show and amassed quite a collection of his own.

Throughout his life, Bill enjoyed sailing, skiing, and traveling. He will be fondly remembered for his strong will, his faith, his sharp mind, and, above all, his deep love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family was a tremendous source of joy and pride throughout his life, and the love he shared with them will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Leslie Burch; his brother, Edward Parrish; and his niece, Amy Kirby.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Loretta; his daughter, Stephanie (Philip) Walker; his grandson, Joshua Chapin; his granddaughter, Danielle (Trevor) McCann, and their daughter, Morgan McCann; his granddaughter, Lyndsey (Josh) Schaefer, and their daughter, Ivy Schaefer; his grandson, James Sirbaugh; and his niece, Dr. Julia Parrish (Bruce Dahlstrom).

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning one hour prior at St. Philip Neri in Empire. Graveside services, including military honors, will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation FATHER FRED FOUNDATION or the Northern Michigan Railroad Club at nmrrclub.org.