Eugene "Gene" M. Parrish

Eugene “Gene” M. Parrish, age 94, a long-time resident of Metairie, Louisiana who moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana post-Katrina, passed away on January 10, 2024.

He was born in Searcy, Arkansas but later moved to Maben, Mississippi. He graduated in 1955 from Mississippi State College (now Mississippi State University) after serving in the Army in the Korean War.

After graduation he came to the New Orleans area to work at Texaco as an accountant. He then took a position at Louisiana Land and Exploration (LL&E) and earned his CPA designation. He retired from LL&E after serving for several years as the Chief Financial Officer for the corporation.

In addition to his work, he devoted his spare time to giving back to the community. He volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of America for many years and was recognized with a national honor for his work with the organization.

He served on the board for the Christian Health Ministries for a number of years and volunteered with hospice. He served as a deacon for the Baptist Churches he and his family were members of in New Orleans, Metairie and Baton Rouge.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Sadie Lee Hollingsworth, his daughters Genny Smith, Brenda DeGraw (Andrew); grandchildren, Gerrick Hardouin, Jeffrey Hardouin, Jonathan Cotten (Kandace), Chad Cotten, Caitlin Cotten Verret (Jeff), Colten Smith, Caroline DeGraw MD--, Hunter Smith, and Lindsey DeGraw; great-grandchildren, Kason Cotten, Blake Cotten and Jack Verret, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two of his daughters Lisa Cotten and Patti Hardouin.

Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral service at Resthaven Funeral Home at 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024. His internment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to a charity of your choice.

The family of Gene wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at St. James Place Wellness Center, Baton Rouge Hospice and Clarity Hospice for taking such good care of him.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.