Albert G. Parrish

Harlingen, TX:
Albert “Smoky” G. Parrish, 83, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2011 in Harlingen, TX.
Albert was born October 17, 1927 in Ponca Co., NE to George and Jennie Parrish. He joined the military at an early age and served in the United States Army. He was a demolition expert with the U.S. Army and part of a team that conducted test on the first Atomic Bomb.  He also was involved with the Army’s training on Chemical and Radiation warfare.  He spoke many times to the U.S. Congress about the effects of Radiation and in fact wrote a book called “Radiation: The Silent Killer”. After his discharge from the military, Albert continued to help veterans in any way he could us securing the benefits they deserved.
After his military career, Albert became and overland trucker.  He also continued his expertise as a demolition expert and helped the railroad industry destroy bridges when needed to be.
He was a former resident of Hackensack, MN and served as their Mayor in 1992.  He also was a member of the American Legion, D.A.V., active Gideon and the Lakeside Baptist Church in Backus, MN.  He also was a Volunteer Fireman in the area for over 20 years.
For over 32 years he and his wife were winter visitors to the Valley and becoming permanent residents just this year.  He attended the First Baptist Church in Combes and was certified to be involved with there Prison Ministry in 1998.
Albert is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Ora L. Parrish; daughters, Jackie Frank, Linda Acosta, and Joyce Heiling; sister, Jean Howlett; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and a sister.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 25, 2010 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Combes, 2:30 PM, Saturday, February 26, 2010 with the Rev. Steve Wiest officiating.  Cremation will follow the services.
Those wishing to do so may make memorial donations to the First Baptist Church of Combes, 402 Templeton St., Harlingen, Texas 78535.
You are invited to sign the guestbook or leave a memory at www.buckashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.

---