Missing man’s award of success follows pain for his family

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s been three weeks since anyone has seen Demon Parrish.

But even in his absence, Parrish continues to make his mark in Augusta.

A father, brother, son and friend – he’s all of these the things. But the 31-year-old is also a well-known hairstylist in the CSRA.

In fact, this past weekend, he would’ve celebrated two years of owning his own salon.

But he missed out.

“Demon gives the best shampoos. … Oh, how I miss him standing over the shampoo bowl saying, ‘Auntie, come on in here … don’t bring none of that nonsense with you when you sit down,’” said his aunt, Sonya Jackson.

He’s always loved being behind the salon chair, making others feel beautiful and confident in their own skin – giving them a sense of purpose and meaning.

For years, he’s been fighting to earn a Small Business istration award.

Now he’s won male hairstylist of the year. But he wasn’t there to accept the honor. His mother had to do it for him.

“He won male hairstylist of the year, which is a great honor. He’s been trying to win that for the past couple of years,” said Jackson.

But he wasn’t there to accept the honor. His mother had to do it for him.

The temporary smile on her face masks the pain and worry about her son who has been missing for nearly a month.

Parrish’s sister, Neisha Davis, said: “The smile is to keep from crying. But when everybody’s not there, more than likely she’s crying. She’s sad. But I think in that moment to know that her son is loved.”

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Family and friends said this award embodies all Demon is.

“He can change your whole life with sitting right here. Whatever your worries and stresses is, leave them at door when you come to here. Let’s talk about it,” said Davis.

Jackson said: “When you see stuff like this on the news, you feel empathy for the family that’s actually going through it, but to go through it yourself, it is heartbreaking.”

His family is ready to have him back.

“He is funny. He can cook. He can sing. Oh man, he can sing. He does hair and he gives the best shampoos,” Jackson told News 12 a few days ago.

If he’s not with his family, Jackson says he’s communicating through social media.

But Jackson says there’s been nothing but silence since Jan. 8.

Parrish was last seen on Mill Street, wearing pink sweat pants and a black hoodie.

Jackson says he’s not the type to leave his child and business without a trace.

He’s 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 230 pounds. His family says he had locks in his hair the last time they saw him.

Anyone with information concerning Parrish is urged to call 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.

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