Linwood Miller Parrish

Linwood “Lin” Miller Parrish, 81, of Smithfield, VA, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Born in Petersburg, VA on April 6, 1943, he was the son of the late Linwood Franklin Parrish and Esther Drake Parrish. He was also preceded in death by his son, Gregory Allen Parrish; beloved hunting dog, Dot; and his beloved canine companion, Buddy.

In his younger years, Lin was a proud player on the 1962 undefeated champion football team at Emory & Henry College. Lin dedicated 39 years to law enforcement, serving his community with honor and integrity. He retired as Deputy Chief from the Chesterfield County Police Department after 29 years of distinguished service. Following his time there, he went on to work for Hopewell Police Department as Captain, and later retiring as Chief of Police, serving a total of ten years, further solidifying his legacy in public safety. Lin's leadership, commitment, and dedication to protecting others will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of working with him. With his law enforcement service, he was a member of the Chesterfield County Retired Police Officers Association.

Beyond being proud of his family and his career in law enforcement, Lin was happiest being around people or outside enjoying nature. Boating, fishing, and bird hunting with dogs were hobbies inspired by his father before golf took over in retirement. He was an excellent storyteller with the goal of making people laugh harder than he did at his own stories. His laugh was infectious but matching its intensity was challenging with his biggest rival in that being his best friend, Billy. With a range of emotion, he coached sporting events from the stands and then from his recliner, all while wondering why they just didn’t listen to him. That competitive, perfectionist personality drove his relentless desire to cultivate a golf course grade lawn worthy of admiration. In all pursuits, he demanded hard work from himself and those in his circle, neither expecting nor giving anything that wasn’t earned. For this reason, he was passionately political – grateful that he grew up in a small town of Ettrick, raised by parents and a community who shared those values during what he remembered as the greatest times in the greatest country. He will forever be proud of exercising his right to vote prior to his passing in hopes of making America great again. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Perkinson Parrish; daughter, Becky Parrish Dollins (Wes); grandchildren, Jacob Parrish Dollins (Kathryn), Bailey Dollins Polak (Matt), Wyatt Gregory Dollins, and Aiden Wesley Dollins; great-grandchildren, Max Gregory Polak and Lennon Kathryn Dollins; beloved Boston Terrier, Lucy; and many other extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home for a memorial visitation. Inurnment will take place privately in Southlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene or to a charity of your choice.