Johnny Thomas "JT" Parish

Dr. Johnny Thomas “J.T.” Parish, 87, of Benton, Kentucky, went home to be with his Saviour, Jesus Christ, on February 24th, 2023, while surrounded by family. He was born October 4th, 1935, to Jim and Eva (Oakley) Parish.  

J.T. is survived by his wife, Noretta (Hamby) Parish; son, Reverend David Parish; daughter-in-law, Patty Parish; granddaughter, Lindsay Parish; grandson-in-law, Jacob Harlan; brothers, James, Leonard, and Carroll Parish; sisters, Lois Cantrell and Dorothy Daves; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Luther Parish; and sister, Linda Sue Polley. 

J.T. graduated valedictorian of Nebo High School class of 1953. He went on to earn a business degree from the Draughon School of Business in 1954. His studies continued at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, Bethel Bible College, Belmont University, and Murray State University. Brother Parish held two honorary doctorates, including a Doctor of Divinity and a Doctorate of Evangelism.  

At 19 years old, J.T. accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was called by God to the ministry in 1956 and began pastoring in 1957. The churches he would go on to pastor include Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Nebo Baptist Church, White Plains Baptist Church, and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He later founded Rockport Christian Fellowship Church in Rockport, Kentucky, Christian Fellowship Church, Christian Fellowship School, and World Missions & Evangelism in Benton, KY. He was active on the board of Christian Fellowship Church and acted as Chairman of the Board of World Missions & Evangelism until his passing.  

J.T. married the love of his life, Noretta Jean Hamby, on August 18th, 1959. Noretta knew she would marry J.T. the first time she saw him. Each year on her birthday, J.T. would wake Noretta at 12:01 a.m. to sing her “Happy Birthday.” J.T. and Noretta were happily married for 63 years and set an example of love and devotion for all who knew them. As his partner and perfect match, Noretta served by his side in ministry throughout their lives together. Their only son, David, followed his father’s example of devotion to God and family.  

Brother Parish will be remembered as a faithful man of God, a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, devoted pastor, and loyal friend. There will be countless souls in heaven because of the love he radiated for God and people. He often said, “If someone were to cut my galluses, I’d just go on to glory!” He is now in glory, rejoicing with his Saviour. Those of us who were fortunate enough to know and love him, look forward to seeing him again in glory one day.   

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Brother Parish’s life at services held at Christian Fellowship Church.  Visitation will be on Monday, March 6, 2023 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with the funeral on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Burial to follow at Marshall County Memory Gardens in Benton, KY.  Flowers can be sent to Collier’s Funeral Home.  In memory of Dr. Parish, donations can be made to Christian Fellowship Church 1343 US HWY 68 E Benton, KY 42025 or World Missions & Evangelism PO Box 790 Benton, KY 42025.