Donald Dace Parrish (“DD”) November 8, 1948 ~ June 1, 2026 Donald Dace Parrish, known and loved by so many as “DD” or “Daddy D,” passed away on June 1, 2026, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Born on November 8, 1948, in Gatesville, Texas, DD was raised in Evant, Texas, a community he loved and called home throughout his life. He lived life with grit, determination, and a heart as big as Texas. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, Vietnam veteran, dairyman, cattleman, businessman, cowboy, mentor, and friend. Throughout every chapter of his life, he carried himself with strength, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.
One of the greatest blessings of DD’s life began when he met the love of his life, Dionitia Parrish. Their love story became the foundation of everything that followed. On March 21, 1969, they were married and began a journey together that would span 57 years. Through every challenge and every triumph, they stood side by side, building a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and love.
DD proudly served in the United States military from 1968 to 1973. His service to his country was a source of tremendous pride throughout his life. He considered it an honor to wear the uniform and serve, and the values of duty, loyalty, and perseverance that he carried throughout his military years remained with him for the rest of his life.
Together, DD and Dionitia welcomed two children, John Parrish and Gayla Hodges, who became the pride and joy of his life. He loved his children beyond measure and never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was of them. He taught them by example, showing them the value of hard work, honesty, resilience, and unconditional love.
DD’s life’s work began in the dairy business, a profession he loved deeply. From 1970 until 2005, he dedicated himself to the dairy industry, spending countless early mornings and long days caring for cattle and building a reputation for excellence. The dairy wasn’t simply his occupation—it was his passion. He loved the animals, the people, and the lifestyle that came with it.
When the dairy chapter closed, DD took a lifetime of experience and poured it into helping build PX Feeders alongside his family. While he was proud of what they built, the business itself was never what mattered most to him. What mattered were the relationships. What mattered was working side by side with the people he loved.
Nothing brought DD more joy than building something meaningful with his family. He treasured the opportunity to work every day with his son, John Parrish, who was not only his son but also his best friend. Their bond was built on trust, respect, countless hours of hard work, and a deep love for one another. Few fathers are fortunate enough to spend their days working alongside their best friend. DD was one of those blessed men.
He was equally proud of his daughter, Gayla Hodges, whose strength, determination, and love for family reflected so many of the values he held dear. Nothing made him happier than seeing his children succeed and knowing they would continue carrying forward the principles he spent a lifetime teaching.
Outside of work, DD found some of his greatest joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting and spent countless hours driving ranch roads, checking deer, and searching for that trophy buck. He enjoyed every part of hunting season and loved sharing stories, making plans, and talking about what might be just over the next hill. For DD, hunting was never just about the deer—it was about the anticipation, the beauty of God’s creation, and the time spent with family and friends making memories that would last a lifetime. Some of his happiest moments were spent out on the ranch, watching the countryside, enjoying the outdoors, and wondering what the day might bring.
Then came one of his favorite roles in life—grandfather. Somewhere along the way, “Dad” became “Daddy D,” and eventually he became simply “DD” to so many. What started as a nickname from his grandchildren became a name known throughout the community. Family, friends, customers, neighbors, and even strangers quickly learned that DD was someone who made everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved.
His grandchildren were among the greatest joys of his life. Kade, Katy, Mattie Brook, and Nolan could always count on DD to cheer them on, brag about their accomplishments, and love them unconditionally. He loved big, and nowhere was that more evident than in his role as a grandfather. He was incredibly proud of each of them and treasured every moment spent together.
Whether it was a rodeo arena, a ball field, a school event, or simply hearing about their latest accomplishments, DD was their biggest fan. He never missed an opportunity to tell others about his grandkids and how proud he was of them. Their successes brought him immense joy, but more importantly, he was proud of the people they were becoming. He loved watching them grow, pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and find their own paths in life.
His eyes lit up when he talked about them. He celebrated every buckle, every win, every achievement, and every milestone as if it were his own. More than anything, he loved spending time with them, making memories, sharing stories, and reminding them how much they were loved. Being “DD” wasn’t just a nickname—it was one of the greatest honors and privileges of his life, a title he carried with tremendous pride and joy.
DD never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them feeling like an old friend. His stories could keep a room captivated for hours, his laughter was contagious, and his generosity knew no limits. He was the kind of man who would drop what he was doing to help someone in need and never ask for anything in return.
A cowboy through and through, DD loved the land, the cattle, and the people who worked beside him. He believed in showing up, doing the job right, and keeping your word. His handshake was firm, his character was strong, and his reputation was built on honesty and integrity.
Even in the face of the greatest challenge of his life, DD demonstrated the same courage and determination that had defined him for decades. He fought with strength, dignity, and faith, inspiring everyone around him. While cancer may have taken his body, it never took his spirit.
DD’s life was measured not by the things he accumulated, but by the people he loved and the lives he touched. His greatest accomplishments were not found in business ventures or awards, but in the family he built, the friendships he cherished, and the example he set for future generations.
DD was preceded in death by his parents, Bryan Kent Parrish, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Parrish.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dionitia Parrish; his son, John Parrish and wife Lisa Parrish, and their children, Kade Parrish and Katy Parrish; and his daughter, Gayla Hodges and husband Matt Hodges, and their children, Mattie Brook Hodges and Nolan Hodges.
He also leaves behind many beloved extended family members, lifelong friends, neighbors, business associates, fellow veterans, and countless others whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
The world feels a little quieter without him in it. Yet every sunrise over a Texas pasture, every story shared around a kitchen table, every laugh among friends, every sighting of a big buck, and every gathering of family will carry a piece of DD forward. His love, wisdom, humor, and strength live on in those he leaves behind.
His ride here is finished, but the trail he blazed will be followed for generations.
We were blessed to know him. We were honored to love him. And we will miss our DD every single day. Until we meet again