Wayne Parrish, of Sudbury, passed away on June 9, 2026. He was born in 1946 in Richmond, Virginia.

Wayne’s love language was acts of service, which shaped all of his relationships and his career as a pastor. He was constantly asking what he could do for the people around him, always putting others first. Whether a friend or a stranger in the parking lot, the needs of others guided his actions. The hole he leaves will never be filled.

Wayne was the first in his family to go to college; his father’s proudest day was dropping him off at Duke. He played in the marching band and developed a love for Duke basketball, rivaled only by his allegiance to the Red Sox. Few years went by that didn’t see Wayne in the bleachers cheering on Roger Clemens or Pedro Martinez. He cried when the Sox won the World Series in 2004.

Wayne’s life was guided by a deep faith. He ran Logos bookstores in Cambridge and New York in the ‘70s and then was called to the ministry in his thirties and attended divinity school at Boston University. He found his niche as an interim minister, serving many churches in the Cincinnati Presbytery before moving back to Massachusetts and continuing his career as the Executive Presbyter of the Boston Presbytery. His creativity, compassion, and love permeated his ministry, both with his parishioners and in the community; he served as a chaplain to the Cincinnati Police Force and volunteered leading book groups at a local prison.

Wayne loved summers on the Outer Banks and Cape Cod. He was happiest at the beach, jumping the waves, digging in the sand with his grandkids, or reading a book with his feet in the surf. He was an avid reader; before having kids he routinely read over 150 books per year. Nothing made him happier or prouder than his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He always made time for a game of catch or some one-on-one basketball, and loved nothing more than being on his knees playing with the kids.

He loved holidays and celebrations—especially the decorations. Boxes and boxes of Christmas ornaments and knick-knacks would emerge from the basement around Thanksgiving—and not disappear until after Epiphany. He was renowned for his collection of creche sets and his holiday-themed ties. No celebration was complete without music, another of Wayne’s loves. He was always humming a tune–and often conducting along with it.

He is survived by his wife Carole, children Adam and Rebecca, son-in-law Dave, grandchildren Zella and Cooper, and sisters Jo Ann and Lynn.

His memorial service will be Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 am at the Presbyterian Church in Sudbury, Massachusetts, 330 Concord Road. The service will be live-streamed and recorded for those who cannot attend (link to follow).

In lieu of gifts or flowers, we are encouraging donations in his name to the Alzheimer's Association.