Johnce Lyle Parrish

Johnce Lyle Parrish, age 78, of Glenwood, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025, at his home, his family by his side.

Born on December 24, 1946, in Whittier, California, Johnce was the son of Johnce Erskin Parrish and "Jill" Joan Lyle Banna Parrish. He graduated from La Mirada High School in 1964, where he met his high school sweetheart, Theresa Pearl Ross, whom he married a year later. He continued his education at Long Beach City College in 1969 and was a member of the Palos Verdes Lodge as a Freemason. Johnce also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for 9 years, achieving the rank of Sergeant by 1973.

After moving from California to Arkansas in 1979, Johnce continued to work as a carpenter and custom woodworker, expanding his skills to become a versatile "jack of all trades." Known for his sign-painting and remodeling, he also created stunning murals throughout the region. His creations went beyond craftsmanship and extended into the world of fine art, where he earned recognition for his sculptures, pen and ink drawings, watercolor on yupo, oil paintings, and more.

In addition to his traditional artwork, Johnce was an accomplished martial artist, beginning his training in Kung-Fu San Soo (street fighting) in the 1970s, before earning black belts in both Goju-Ryu and Tae-Kwon-Do. He enjoyed participating in tournaments and was always eager to learn new styles of martial arts.

Later in life, after retiring from carpentry, Johnce dedicated himself fully to his passion for art. He taught art classes, served on several arts-related boards, and was involved with cultural organizations, including the Arkansas Arts Council, the Elberta Arts Council; the Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs; AmeriCorps VISTA; and the Howard and South Pike County Literacy Council. He won multiple awards at art competitions, and his works have been displayed in various galleries and featured in publications, including A Gathering of Artists. His art decorates the walls of public places like the Glenwood Library and the Crater of Diamonds State Park Visitors Center, where scenes from a miner’s life are depicted.

Known affectionately as “Jay,” Johnce was widely recognized as an entertaining character with a larger-than-life personality. He enjoyed challenging traditional norms with humor and playing devil’s advocate. A transplant from the Los Angeles area, he never fit in with local crowds, and never wanted to. He proudly fostered his reputation as an eccentric artist and loved clowning around to get laughs from friends and strangers alike. He enjoyed multicultural ideas and philosophical discussions, and left a lasting impression on the communities he was a part of, from California to Arkansas.

Johnce is survived by his loving wife, Theresa Pearl Ross Parrish; his aunt, Yvonne Parrish Bigelow of California; his siblings, Sheila Parrish and Scotty Parrish (Jackie) of Lubbock, Texas; and six children: Elisabeth Parrish Eaton (Carl) of Doddridge, Arkansas; Maria Parrish-Eichman (Gregg) of Burleson, Texas; Catherine Parrish (Chris Fitter) of Merchantville, New Jersey; Rachel Parrish (Phil McKenna) of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Ian Parrish (Larissa) of Benton, Arkansas; and Justin Dru Parrish of Hot Springs, Arkansas. He also leaves behind his bonus daughter, Cindy Tinsey of St. Clair, Michigan, as well as 17 grandchildren: Isaac Doggett (Jessica), Johnce Tyler Doggett (Ainslee), Julian Doggett, Jeffrey Parrish, Seth Batts (Samantha), Matthew Parrish-Eichman, John Parrish-Eichman, Sarah Parrish-Eichman, Christian Parrish-Eichman, Sophia Fitter, Michael Fitter, Julian Fitter, Finnegan McKenna, Talia McKenna, Emerson Parrish, Duncan Parrish, and Roman Parrish; five great-grandchildren; and 11 nieces and nephews.

A true artist, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a friend to many, Johnce’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the art he created.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, 2-4 pm, at the Smith Family Funeral Home, 209 N 3rd St., Glenwood, AR 71943.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made towards funeral expenses:

Venmo: @Catherine-Parrish-24

CashApp: $ElisabethEaton

OR

Ian Parrish

8171 Zuber Rd

Benton, AR 72019