David C. Parrish Jr., of Indian Creek, dies at 90

David C. Parrish Jr., a highly decorated Army Air Force veteran and former president of the prominent Indian Creek breeding operation in Paris, Ky., died May 2 in Paris of complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 90.

A lifelong Bourbon County resident and son of a farm owner, Parrish received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters for his service in World War II. He flew missions in the European theater of operations as a p-47 pilot with the 396th Fighter Squadron 368th Fighter Group. His service included air support of ground troops during the D-Day invasion.

In 1961, Parrish joined Arthur “Bull” Hancock Jr., Doug Parrish, and Anthony Hughes-Gibb to purchase the Clay Ward equine insurance agency. Ten years later, the agency launched Indian Creek, which later produced or raised such horses as champion Life’s Magic, Tale of the Cat, and Minardi.

Parrish was named to the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame in 2009. He was a past president of the Thoroughbred Club of America among numerous other clubs and associations. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Susan Hyde Parrish; son Rodes Shackelford Parrish; daughters Helen Parrish Beach and Leslie Parrish Isaacs; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Paris on May 6 from 4-6 p.m. Services will take place May 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with burial to follow at the Paris Cemetery. in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Paris-Bourbon YMCA, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Kentucky Aviation Museum, or the charity of your choice.