Veteran high school football coach Harry Wayne Parrish passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 76. He left behind his wife, Sharon, and three children: Josh, Hunter, and Jenni.
The 76-year-old Wayne Parrish had reportedly been suffering from a heart condition for several weeks.
Parrisha and his wife, Sharon Welch Parrish, shared three children, eldest daughter Jenni Parrish Skaug and sons Hunter Parrish and Josh Parrish.
Sharon, originally from Enterprise, Alabama, went to Troy University and Enterprise High School.
Parrish and Sharon’s eldest child, daughter Jenni Parrish Skaug, celebrates her birthday on August 20. She is married to Nils Skaug, and they have three kids.
Their youngest son, Josh Parrish, was born on June 3. He is married to Mary Toulman Parrish and has two sons and a daughter.
Alabama High School Athletic Association broke the exclusive news of his tragic passing. AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon said,
Our thoughts and prayers go out the family of Harry Wayne Parrish and to his extended family of students, coaches, and teachers.
His coaching success is well documented. His legacy of being a major positive influence in so many students’ lives will be long lasting.
Heath Harmon
Wiregrass Sports Hall of Famer Harry Wayne Parrish Had a Successful Coaching Career Spanning Over Three Decades!
Harry Wayne Parrish’s football career began at Dothan High School, where he graduated in 1966. As an offensive lineman, he earned All-State honors.
His coaching career kicked off while he was still a student at the University of Alabama, when he served as an assistant coach at Tuscaloosa High School in 1969.
In 1970, he returned to Donathan High School as part of the coaching staff, helping the team reach the state playoff finals twice.
Parrish later became the first head football coach and athletic director at Northview High School in 1978.
Under his leadership, Northview’s first team went 6-4, and the second team made it to the state playoffs, finishing with a 9-2 record.
Likewise, Parrish compiled a 172-105 record, with a 97-66 mark as the first head coach in Northview High School’s history.
His dedication and expertise led the Cougars to two state championships, first in Class 4A in 1981 and then in Class 6A in 1985.
Parrish also coached at Daleville High School and Dothan High School.
Dr. Dennis Coe, Dothan City Schools Superintendent, expressed his condolence after the tragic passing,
It was our honor to have the Dothan High School football practice field named in Coach Parrish’s honor recently.
Coach Parrish was a public school advocate and a positive influence who will be greatly missed. We send our deepest sympathies to the Parrish family.
Dr. Dennis Coe
Later, in 1991, Parrish moved to Early County High School in Georgia, where he coached the Bobcats for 13 years.
He achieved a 75-39 record and led the team to a state championship game appearance.
In addition to his coaching career, Parrish became a successful financial counselor and served as chairman of the Dothan City School Board for several years.
In recognition of his contributions to the community and football, the City of Dothan named the Dothan High School football practice field in his honor.
Likewise, his contributions to the community and education were further recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame.
