Harry J. Parrish |
Harry J. Parrish was a dedicated public servant whose service to the Northern Virginia community spanned nearly fifty-five years. A member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 1982, Harry had also served as Mayor of Manassas for eighteen years, and as a member of the Manassas Town Council beginning in 1951. As Mayor of Manassas, he had a vision that included City status for Manassas, a drinking water supply at Lake Manassas and the Manassas Airport. He was instrumental in the formation of Prince William Hospital and was also a long-time member of Grace United Methodist Church, the Kiwanis Club and Manassas Fire Company.
Born and raised in the Manassas area, Harry attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and enrolled in the Army Air Corps in 1942. Trained both by the U. S. Army Air Corps and the Royal Air Force, Harry was one of a very few airmen entitled to wear the wings of both the United States and the British. His service included World War II as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired in 1971 with the rank of Colonel.
Married since 1944 to Mattie Cannon, who survives him, his children are Judith F. Ratcliffe and Harry J. "Hal" II. He was also the proud grandfather of Jenny Ratcliffe Billingslea, Susanna Ratcliffe and Harry J. "Trey" III.
Whether he was managing the family business, Manassas Ice and Fuel Company, or serving as our community's elected Delegate, Harry was admired for his friendliness, his dedication to his responsibilities, his financial knowledge, his ability to resolve issues and his demeanor of courtliness. Respected as a statesman on both sides of the aisle, Harry was the consummate Virginia gentleman. During his eighty-four years, he created a legacy of service few others can match. Harry lived his entire life in service to his country, his state, his community, his church and his family. It is for these reasons that this performance of Brahms' Requiem by the Manassas Community Chorale and the NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to Harry Jacob Parrish.
|
