Brannen Josh Parrish

Brannen Josh Parrish, born November 23, 1993, made Heaven his home on August 13, 2021.

Brannen, known to many by “Bee”, was born to his parents, Renita Johnson-Parrish and Berlyn Parrish in Whiteriver, AZ. He grew up in Whiteriver but his heart was in Canyon Day. Brannen attended Whiteriver Headstart. He spent his elementary years at MVR 7-Mile Elementary School as a Wildcat, the only time he would be a wildcat. He played basketball in 5th and 6th grade. Brannen’s jr. high days were spent at Canyon Day Jr. High as a Rough Rider. There he played basketball and football. Brannen’s freshman year was spent at Blue Ridge High School as a Yellowjacket. There he also played football and basketball.

Upon entering his sophomore year, Brannen would transfer to Alchesay High School to become a Falcon. He was the starting quarterback on varsity for all three years. Brannen set many records at Alchesay in football, such as highest passing yards. He was also a starting player for the varsity basketball team. He helped lead his team to win back-to-back 3A East Championships in basketball. It is in high school that he began his relationship with his wife. They would be high school sweethearts. Brannen’s senior year of high school, he and his wife welcomed their first child. Her name is Bailey. Brannen named his daughter and she would attend every basketball game for her father as an infant. Brannen then graduated Alchesay High School in 2012. Brannen was well-known at Blue Ridge and

Alchesay. He was athletically talented and a star player for the basketball and football team. He was a team leader and had the respect of his teammates. He was the leader of his class and got along with everyone. There was not one person who did not know who Bee was.

Upon graduating high school, Brannen began working as a car dealer at Show Low Ford. He loved his job and he knew he was good at it. He spoke of how much tribal business he brought in and he was proud of being able to help fellow members. While working at Show Low Ford he and his wife welcomed their second child, Mathieu. Brannen also named Mathieu. He ensured his family was always taken care of and provided for them during his time at Ford.

After leaving Show Low Ford, Brannen worked with his father and brothers in the construction field. He would work many hours and always spoke of how a home was built from foundation to end. Brannen enjoyed working with his father and brothers. He always spoke of their time joking and how it didn’t necessarily feel like a job.

In 2018, Brannen began working for the White Mountain Apache Tribal Vice-Chairman’s Office of Jerome Kasey as a Legislative Advisor. It was his time there that he formed many partnerships with various tribes. He was passionate in his work for the tribe and would travel as much as possible to assist the Vice Chairman. During his time with the tribe he would also form a friendship with fellow councilman Jerold Altaha. Brannen spoke highly of his peers and was proud of being able to represent the tribe. He loved traveling and meeting new people. He was enthusiastic in his work and gave his all for each job he was assigned. He was proud to work in a tribal position, as his late-grandfather Reno Johnson was a tribal dignitary. He loved his job and his tribe.

In 2021, Brannen began working for Resolution Copper as a Senior Advisor of Native American Affairs. He was so proud of his job. He spoke of future projects and how excited he was to be a part of a great company. He spoke highly of his colleagues and always gave them a different perspective on projects. Brannen assisted in many community events. Brannen was truly proud to be an employee with Resolution Copper.

Anyone who knew him, knew Brannen was an avid ASU fan. He attended many football and basketball games. He would often talk of how his favorite sports memory was when he and his wife traveled to the territorial cup game in Tucson, AZ and ASU beat UofA in the 4th quarter, or how he and Mathieu stormed the field during the ASU vs Oregon game and ASU won. Brannen also loved photography. Anywhere he went he had his camera with him. He loved seeing life behind the lens of a camera.

Brannen was an amazing son, brother, father, husband, uncle, nephew, and friend. Most importantly, he was a believer in Christ and a member of his late grandfather’s church: Canyon Day Light House Family Church. He loved attending church with his late grandparents, Reno and Rita Johnson. He spent his adult years ministering and serving God. He brought followers to Christ and encouraged others with scripture. He touched the lives of many people. Many people from far and wide knew him. Brannen made an impact and his presence was felt in any room he entered. He was always positive and uplifting. He made many friendships and made sure everyone was included.

Brannen was proud to be a father to Bailey and Mathieu. He adored his children and they adored him. He always spoke to them of how they had big shoes to fill once they entered high school sports. Brannen was a good husband to Makayla. He made sure to always take care of her and their family. They have

endless memories of times spent together. Brannen and his wife were high school sweethearts who became engaged in 2014. On July 19th, 2015, Brannen and his wife married under the campmeeting tent in Canyon Day.

Brannen was a good son. He took great care of his mother and respected his father. Brannen was a good brother. He made sure to push his brothers to be their best and was a role model to them. He made sure to always take care of his family and did his best to be the best son and brother. Brannen is survived by his wife, Makayla Parrish, his daughter Bailey Parrish, his son Mathieu Parrish, his father Berlyn Parrish, his mother Renita Johnson-Parrish, his brothers Mckale, Jalin, and Kellen Parrish, his sister Ramar’e Parrish, and countless family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Reno and Rita Johnson. Brannen will be greatly missed. We have comfort and peace, knowing that he rests in Paradise with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The public visitation will be from 6;00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday, August 23, 2021, at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at the Canyon Day Assembly of God Church in Canyon Day, Arizona. The interment will be private at the Canyon Day Cemetery.