Obituary of Cornell Parrish III

Cornell Parrish III

Cornell Parrish III (Tre) 32, was born on June 16th 1991, to Cornell Parrish, Jr., and Lori A. Parrish at Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome New York.  He passed away on May 12th 2024 due to a tragic traffic accident in Virginia.

Cornell was educated at Rome Free Academy and graduated in 2009. Following graduation he furthered his education at Mohawk Valley Community College before entering the workforce where he began as an Oneida County Corrections Officer. He then advanced to the New York State Department of Corrections, before deciding on a career as a police officer with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in Springfield Virginia.

Cornell was an avid sports fan who was well versed on practically all sports, especially football.  His love for sports was equally matched by his love for video games, particularly Madden.  He was a huge fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and was so excited to go to their Superbowl win celebration.  Cornell also enjoyed weightlifting, and was also a huge wrestling fan (WWE) from a very young age.  He shared his enthusiasm for sports with his friends and family. 

Cornell was a great drummer. He played with his family’s gospel band and as a part of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Music Ministry for several years. He also stood up the streaming ministry for his church, which he continued to support even after he moved out of the area.

Cornell never met any strangers, once he met you he knew you.  His infectious smile and gentle demeanor had a calming effect on a room.  He went out of his way to make everyone feel special.  Everyone loved Cornell, especially the children who seemed to naturally gravitate to him.  He believed in living life to the fullest.

Cornell leaves to mourn his parents Cornell Jr. and Lori Sligh-Parrish, sister Kiara Sligh, brother Spencer Parrish, paternal grandmother Gloria Parrish, maternal uncles Benjamin (Janet) and Ordin Sligh, maternal aunt Linda S. Sligh, paternal aunts Debra Parrish and Tonya (Keith) Sumter,  paternal uncle Clifton Parrish, godmother Rev Sarah Millner, a host of cousins, friends, a very special lady whom he loved Jonique Holcomb-Meade and her family, and his entire Mt Calvary Baptist Church family.  Cornell was pre deceased by his paternal grandfather Cornell Parrish, Sr., maternal grandparents Benjamin F. and Vera M. Sligh Jr, aunt Joy A. Sligh and uncle Larry Snipe.

Calling hours will be held on May 22, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome NY 13440.  A funeral service with Rev Tommy R. Jackson officiating will be held on Wednesday May 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM.  The burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Mt Calvary Baptist Church building fund, 203 Erie Blvd East, Rome NY 13440.