Mr. Hobart DeWard Parish's Obituary
Hobart DeWard Parish, 95, of Madison, TN died on March 17, 2013. He was born in Buena Vista in Carroll county, TN on September 28,1917. He was raised by his mother, Ida Parish, as an only child on a cotton farm in Hollow Rock, TN.
At the age of sixteen, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp (C.C.C.) Chapter 126 Montgomery Bell. He was their youngest known member. The year was 1934, when one was lucky to have a job, and everyone knew the true value of a dime. He sent his entire salary home to help his mother on their farm.
In 1939 he transferred to the War Corp Engineers. His job assignments took him everywhere, including work boats, survey parties and into the “boondocks”. Hobart had the privilege of selecting the spot where the atomic bombs were moved to in Oak Ridge, TN. In 1948 he was assigned to the District of the Corp Engineers Supply and Procurement branch. He moved through the ranks by re-educating himself and hard work.; he retired as Chief of Property and Procurement of the eastern United States. In 1981 he retired from the federal government, after serving forty-seven years, including the C.C.C. Hobart’s many friends lovingly referred to him as “Friday”; however, that changed at his retirement party when he received a new name, “Kemo Sabe”, meaning faithful friend.
Hobart met his deceased wife Grace Parish in 1936, and married in Clarksville, TN. Two children survive from this marriage, Bettie Faye (Jerry) Zimmerle of Gallatin, TN and Ronald DeWard (Becky) Parish of Yorkville, IL.
Six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren also survive.
Hobart lost Grace in 1983 and returned later to the Corp of Engineers in Washington, D.C. on special assignment It was there that he met a very special person, Virginia Latimer. They developed a long relationship and married on June 16, 1995. Virginia has seven children: Bill Hamilton (deceased), Teena Hamilton of Gallatin, TN, Jim (Judy) Hamilton of Paris, TN Garry (Wendy) Latimer of Brentwood, TN, Steve (Joanne) Latimer of Plano, TX, Greg Latimer of Nashville, TN, and Rod Latimer Portland ,TN. _15__Grand children, 22__Great Grandchildren 4 Great-great Grandchildren.
Hobart and Virginia started square dancing and were voted President and Secretary of their square dance club. Hobart was given another nickname, “Grand Hobie” by Virginia’s grandchildren. Hobart and Virginia enjoyed visiting the dams that the Corp of Engineers worked on, and the buildings that the C.C.C. worked on in the 30’s and 40’s. Hobart would start out on their trips with Virginia at the wheel and their dog, Holly Dee to square dance and attend conventions in every state in the USA. Friends, daughters, and sons all across the United States looked forward to seeing them drive up.
Hobart was deeply devoted to his savior, Jesus Christ. His devotion to family was evident,as he talked to most of them on a daily basis. His travel to Gloryland will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Thursday March 21 from the Chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home. His family will receive friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Spring Hill Funeral Home. Interment will be in Spring Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Civilian Conservative Corporation Legacy at P.O 341Edinburg, Va. 22824 [email protected]
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