Michael Elton Parrish, younger son of Elton and Geraldine Hartley Parrish, was born at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Smithfield.  He is a lifelong resident of Selma and was graduated from Smithfield-Selma Senior High School in 1975.  Shortly after his graduation he joined his parents in the funeral business.  On March 6, 1976 he married the former Cheryl Gagne.  He received his associate in applied sciences degree from Fayetteville Technical Institute in 1977.  Mike and Cheryl have two children Scott and his wife, Erin and Emily Gardner and her husband Bradley and daughter Emma Grace.  Mike and his family are members of  the Selma Original Free Will Baptist.  He is a member and Past-Master of Selma Masonic Lodge # 320 and a former member of the Selma Fire Department.