Richard Dale Parrish, Sr., 76 of Lake City, FL passed peacefully in his home on July 16, 2025. Dale was born on April 23, 1949 to the late Thomas Ulma Parrish Jr. and Ruth Milton. Dale served in the National Guard and also had a distinguished career in law enforcement (Lake City Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Florida Wildlife Commission, among other entities) marked by numerous notable accomplishments, including playing a key role in the establishment of the SWAT team within the Columbia Sheriff's Department and being awarded the Silver Star for saving a fellow officer under fire.

Dale is survived by his son: Rick (Ricky) Parrish, Brother: Milton Parrish (Pam), Grandchildren: Emma-Leigh and Eli Parrish, Tyler and Madison Hodges, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Rozzle Lund, and daughter: Laura Nicole Hodges.

Funeral services will be held Saturday 10:00am, July 19, 2025 at Falling Creek Chapel with Sheriff Wallie Kitchings officiating. Interment will be at Swift Creek Mt. Zion Cemetery in Lake Butler, FL.