Robert Elton Parrish was born in Johnston County on March 13, 1928 to parents Robert Ennis Parrish and Viola Sasser Parrish.  He attended Princeton and Nahunta High Schools.  After graduating he served in the US Marine Corps in 1946 and 1947.  Upon Elton's return he attended Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science and graduated in 1951.  During his time here, he was married to Geraldine Hartley on April 13, 1950.  Throughout the years, Elton has been involved with many organizations such as the Selma Lions Club and served 20 years with the Selma Fire Department.  He is currently serving the Selma Housing Authority, the Board of Directors of KS Bank, and he is a member of Selma Original Free Will Baptist Church where he is a former Deacon.  He was also a two term Past Master in 1964-1965 at the Selma Masonic Lodge #320.