If it hadn’t been for a sister’s illness, David and Joyce Parrish might never have met and spent the last six decades together.
The Oxford couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Aug. 28.
‘It doesn’t seem like 60 years,? said David, a 1944 graduate of Oxford High School.
To think, it all began with a chance meeting at the First Baptist Church back when it was located on East St.
Joyce’s sister, Ethel Webster, was too ill to attend a church dinner, so she went in her place. Sitting across from her that night was a handsome young David Parrish.
As the food was passed around the table, by the time it got to Joyce, the serving plate was empty, so David gallantly offered some of his meal. ‘I just took half of everything off his plate,? Joyce said.
It was love at first bite and the two soon started dating. The thing which made David so attractive to Joyce was the fact that he genuinely respected her and was always a perfect gentleman during their courtship.
David was immediately taken with Joyce’s petite figure and farm girl beauty.
‘She’s a pretty nice lookin? gal,? he said.
Over the years, the Parrishs have probably spent more time together on a daily basis than most other couples.
For 30 years, the two worked side-by-side in the same office. David used to own the Parrish Insurance Agency in downtown Oxford and Joyce was his secretary.
‘We’ve always worked together and enjoyed each other’s company,? he said.
When they retired, the couple spent more than 20 years tooling around the country in a motor home visiting the lower 48 states. They’ve also been to Hawaii, but never Alaska.
Internationally, the Parrishs have visited 17 countries in all including much of Europe, Africa, Costa Rica, Canada and Mexico.
‘We have a good time,? David said.
So what’s the secret to staying married through 11 U.S. presidents and counting?
‘Be truthful and love each other,? David said. ‘You can’t take love for granted.?
‘Tell him every day that you love him,? Joyce said. ‘We’ve always loved each other from Day One.?
And don’t forget to lend each other a hand
‘He always helps me no matter what,? Joyce said. ‘If there’s anything I can’t do, he pitches right in and helps me do it.?
A little help from a higher power doesn’t hurt either as the Parrishs regularly attend services at the Oakwood Community Church.
‘We say pray together, stay together,? David said. The Parrishs, who have two children and three grandchildren, agree being married for 60 years has been a ‘wonderful? experience, which is a good thing because as David pointed out, ‘We can’t do it again.?