Parlan Beaver

Gas in Knoxville Tennessee was.21 cents a gallon in 1943. "Pappy Gube" (Parlan K) Beaver and his wife Mildred Marie (Henderson) could be heard singing every week on WKXV radio on the Pappy Gube Gospel Radio Hour with their daughter Joann, when they welcomed their 2nd child, Parlan Edward. Parlan grew up living modestly, but very happily playing, strumming, or picking every instrument that crossed his path and eagerly sharing his testimony in the love-filled gospel of Jesus Christ through song. Parlan could be counted on to share his devotion to the Bible's teachings, his love for people, and the joy music brought him. Parlan, aka "Eddie" attended Rule Highschool, then joined the Army National Guard, and proudly served in the Navy with an Honorable Discharge. Ever a gypsy soul, Parlan loved and married five beautiful women who blessed him with six children while (as Alan Jackson so eloquently put it) "Chasing that Neon Rainbow" That chase would lead him to meeting Dolly Parton, eating in Elvis Presley's kitchen, and playing at the Grand Ole Opry. Like Pappy Gube, Parlan too found joy in driving limousines for some of country music's elite and absolutely loved driving for Greyhound and Marta once he settled for a bit in Georgia. A love for animals led to life on a farm in Thomaston, Georgia, where Parlan discovered that Tennessee Walker horses were a good fit for a Rhinestone Cowboy such as himself. Of his many passions, collecting antique cars was his greatest delight. Anything from fire trucks to hearses to Model A's and T's, if it had wheels, he wanted them. His discovery of Cushman Motorcycles brought an enthusiasm for two-wheeled transportation and if there was a car show anywhere nearby, Parlan was there either entering his classics, buying, trading, wheeling, or dealing. There was no telling what he was going to come home with, but Parlan's heart of gold, love of cars, and faith in Jesus were always shared with everyone he met. If you knew Parlan, affectionately called "the Eager Beaver", you had met a comedian who was guaranteed to make you laugh with his infectious sense of humor. You had met an incredible naturally talented musician who likely taught Jerry Lee Lewis everything there was to know about playing a piano. You had met a preacher, for the love of Jesus was always in his heart and on his lips and he would gladly share the gospel with you. You had met a friend to be counted on for the rest of your life. He leaves behind his six children, Marty Sheehan (Linda), TN; Melissa Walker (Mike), TN; Brenda Warner-Allen (Kevin), GA; Brooke Uzdavines (Rob), GA; Leelan Whaley, TN; and Azie Cooper (Gary), TN, grandchildren and great grandchildren, brother Jerry Beaver, (Janie)TN; sister Marilyn Bennett, (Steve)TN; and sister Joann Watson, (Jack);TN. We'll carry on the music Daddy. Celebration of Life at Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel 5301 Fountain Rd. Knoxville TN January 13th, 2024 2pm
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Beaver family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.
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