FIXTITLE Eddy Parrish.docx
SEVEN DAYS
Legend Nominee: Eddy Parrish
In speaking with this Legend’s nominee, his understanding and full essence of living life to the fullest is undeniable. His words are brief, yet straight-forward and honest. At the age of 66 with perfect health, his mind is as powerful as his body is able.
Eddy Parrish, originally from Scottsville, Kentucky is a second-generation truck driver with 48 years of experience and 5 million lifetime miles to date. His opinion on how to achieve a career within today’s ever changing trucking industry serves as encouragement to push others towards their goal; just as his success can be used as guidance for those whose enthusiasm is running dry.
Running over the road for the most part of his career, the last three years Eddy has been assigned a dedicated run hauling produce. He joined the driving force of First Fleet Inc., a premiere carrier based out of Portland, Tennessee fifteen years ago, as a company driver. He is six months shy of reaching his 2-million-mile mark with the company. Every reliable driver willing to secure a position within our demanding profession has the task of overcoming many overt challenges, such as; the requested number of work hours in return for X-amount of pay, health issues along with the stress of their job in general: sleeping arrangements, time management, and day to day traffic. Most of all, being away from their loved ones for extended periods of time weighs heavy on all drivers.
When I inquired as to Eddy’s secret on how he managed to find the balance of it all, his candid response I’m sure will prove to be relatable for most all truck drivers at one point of their trucking career. “I was born into it. Trucking and farming is all my family has ever done. And it’s all I have ever wanted to do. I don’t see trucking as a job, it’s a life style. One you really have to want in order to do it and stay in it,” he said. Eddy explains that his hardest battle was getting a reasonable amount of home-time.
“Keep your means to work and home-time as top priorities, together. You have to work to pay the bills, but you don’t make money if the tires aren’t turning and blowing black smoke. Finding a company that provides quality home-time is important and necessary to enjoy both, your work and family. Like here at First Fleet Inc., they know what is important to me. Find a trucking company that suites your life, so that you don’t have to change for them. Instead, that company should help you better your life by providing a good environment to work among, help financially support your family, and make it possible for you to be content. If they offer over the road, dedicated runs, or short haul find what works best for you and the company needs to be willing to meet your needs because good truck drivers are valuable. If you’re a good driver, you can find a job just about anywhere. Of my 48 years, I’ve never drawn unemployment. I have always been able to find a job driving. Some I didn’t like, but I worked until I found better. Today’s trucking companies want good drivers! And their pay is good, home-time is good, and the equipment is good. It’s a good time to be a truck driver, but to be good at it you must want to be good even when it’s going bad. Then remember why you’re dealing with the bad and you’ll push right passed it, making whatever issues you’re dealing with small talk with the right company.”
The small town that Eddy grew up in had little to no options of income, other than farm work or driving a truck. His mother had her hands full raising four kids, with Eddy being the second to youngest of the bunch. He adds, “I have one younger sister and two older. My twin sister is only five minutes older than me, but I’m the prettiest.” As it’s made obvious, Eddy is not our average veteran driver. His strong desire to carry on his family’s love of farming and trucking was indeed in the family genes, but it was their work ethic that was clearly passed down after one generation to the next. And today that same passion continues as Eddy’s fourteen-year-old grandson, Todd helps him on their farm; keeping the family tradition alive three generations later.
Eddy’s grandfather’s farm land was adjacent to his father’s cattle farm; at his fingertips in every direction he turned lay access to some type of machinery. Eddy gladly assumed any duties he was given. He was eager and more than ready to help. “I remember working on the farm as soon as I was big enough to be put to work. I milked cows for my granddaddy and he grew tobacco, so we worked a lot of hay too. By 12, I was running a tractor. My dad had an old pickup truck that we used for both farms, I was driving it by 13. I believe after I turned five years old, I generally stayed with my granddaddy the most and worked the farm with him. He was raised to work mules and had no interest in learning how to drive. Our small town had one red light with one cop who knew everyone. So as soon as I was able, I drove my granddaddy around in that old truck. As long as everyone could see him with me, it was ok.”
Aside from the family farm, Eddy’s father also hauled shelled corn from Kentucky to Tennessee. He can recall riding with him as a young boy. Although his parents wed at age 23 and 19, his father was only 16 when he took on trucking as a second job to make money so that he could marry the love of his life and hopefully start a family. Eddy followed right behind him, driving on his own professionally by 18. Starting his trucking career around home, much of his loads were to saw mills and feed mills, or hauling cattle and hogs. He went on to build his résumé moving heavy equipment, gas, and produce.
Having the location of his First Fleet Inc. terminal within 22 miles of his residence has its advantages, but his positive interests in the company prove significant, as well. “They see to it that I make a good living here. They provide me with a quality of life that I can give to my family. As a company, they’re very laid back and don’t hound you. They encourage you and give the respective space you need as a driver,” he said. Eddy’s first concern upon hiring was his home-time, and has since honored his request presented fifteen years ago. “It’s not easy finding companies that actually follow through with what they promise. I’ve never had a problem with that here, at First Fleet Inc.”
With all the milestones achieved since he began trucking in the early 70’s, Eddy states that the most rewarding nod would be to recognize his safe driving record. In sharing suggestions and tips to other drivers, he stresses the importance of patience. As all drivers are taught to practice composure, Eddy explains that only through self-control and calmness can a person see and think clearly. For a truck driver, there is nothing more imperative than patience; consider it being the cornerstone to safe driving. Another piece of advice that he declares crucial to assuring safety is to always be thorough in your work. He says, “Driving trucks our size is extremely dangerous, if not performed properly. While driving, watch your traffic at all times… in the front, back, and sides… and then double check again. It’s one thing to watch what you’re doing when you drive, but learn to drive with caution and care for all passengers on the road. Value each life as if they were all your loved ones. Drive with that urgency every time you’re behind the wheel!”
Knowing that it only takes a brief moment for an accident to occur, Eddy takes his place at the wheel extremely serious. Closing in on 48 years in the business, trucking for Eddy is more than a familiar routine. In a way, it’s an addiction. He simply enjoys doing it. He looks forward to the independence and freedom of the road.
Very much proud of the trucking industry, he explains that without trucks for transportation our economy would be at a disadvantage. By impacting lives all around the country with every delivery he completes is what inspires him to continue driving a truck. He says, “Knowing that not everyone can do what we do pushes me. I’ve done it for so long, not saying that it’s super easy, but I can say that I’m good at what I do. I’ve worked hard at this! As a truck driver, I take on the responsibility of moving food, basically helping to provide groceries for other families to put on their tables to eat.” Our industry allows Eddy to be a part of something bigger than himself. Only so many drivers will see it that way. The ones that do are the drivers that truly enjoy their line of work. Just as Eddy does…
At First Fleet Inc., Eddy’s flexible work schedule grants him four days on the road and the remainder of his week is spent at the family farm. Like Eddy, his wife Nancy also grew up around trucks and tractors. Today, the couple manage a cow-calf operation on 200 acres. The 50-year-old family farm has been passed down from Nancy’s father to her and Eddy. With 75 adult female cows, plus their calves, and more young females that are not of age to breed yet, their work is non-stop. Having their grandson, Todd on-hand to chip in, just as Eddy had with his granddaddy makes the farm work more meaningful and their time together irreplaceable.
As far back as Eddy’s early childhood, the two things he remembers the most was the love his family poured into their farm and each other. He exhibits that same allegiance they demonstrated back then and shares it with his growing family. He and Nancy have been married 25 years. Together they have one daughter, Melissa and her two children, Todd and his younger sister, Sarha. Melissa’s husband, Tony also helps on the farm when he is available.
Working seven days straight, week after week would seem outlandish to many of the new rising generation. However, there was a time when meals were prepared all by hand and hit the table like clockwork. Kids were safe to play outside at night, after their chores. And fathers worked multiple jobs voluntarily, to provide more than enough for their household. When a person has disciplined themselves in a manner of continuous hard work for years on end, it’s likely impossible to expect anything less than seven days of that momentum.
Understanding that every person needs some sort of downtime to maintain their sanity, I was certain that Eddy had to have at least one outlet. He says, “Some people play golf or like to fish, and so on… For 30 years, I’ve restored antique tractors. I prefer the early 50’s stuff. In the winter, after feeding and tending to the farm, I’ll build a fire in my shop and go to work.” He has up to 12 antique tractors, including one that belonged to his late grandfather.
I asked Eddy if retirement was in his near future. His response naturally referred back to his wife. “Maybe in 2 and a half years when it would benefit us both, otherwise I’m in good shape and love everything I do. I love trucking and I love farming. If a person can’t have a good time while working, then they need to go do something else.” There you have it! If seven days of a good life keeps a man this well, sign me up.