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Richard Parramore Obituary
79, of Canal Fulton, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, April 25, 2010.
Richard was born in Chester, Pa., was a graduate of Wheaton College and Western Theological Seminary.
He was the former owner, president and C E O of Smith- Groen Lumber in Grand Rapids, Mich., retiring in 1982.
He was a member of the Grand Rapids Retail Lumber Assoc., served several years on the Wheaton College Camp Advisory Board and for many years was a member of the Board at Gordon College.
He was president of the board for the Wedgewood Christian Services, where he also served on its advisory board.
He started and later served on the board for the Young Life Work in Grand Rapids, Mich., was a member of Rotary International and was a Paul Harris Fellow.
In 1979, he was elected to the Hall of Honor at Wheaton College for football and baseball and in 1999, he was inducted into the Delaware County, Pennsylvania Athlete Hall of Fame.
Preceded in death by his son, Kenneth; and son-in-law, Patrick O'Brien
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Barbara; sons, Dr. James (Lisa) Parramore and Richard Parramore; daughters, Kathy (Jerry) Kropf, Nancy O'Brien and Julia (John) Vittori; several grandchildren; and sister, Grace Ewald.
A memorial service will take place in Grand Rapids, Mich. at a later date.
Memorials may be made in Richard's memory to the Wedgewood Christian Services, 3300 36th. Street S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49512-2810.
Swigart-Easterling, 330- 854-2356
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Parramore
Anna Hampton
November 28, 2010
I had the honor and privilege of getting to know Dick and Barb as Dick's home health aide in 2008. They are an inspirational couple and Dick was a true man of honor. It hurt me to hear this news but I know he's with the Lord. May their legacy continue to preach to others.
- Anna Hampton
Jan Gerber
May 10, 2010
Dick and Barb left a lasting impression when they lead Young Life in their home. That is a time I will remember with very fond memories.
Barb Soet
May 10, 2010
I was honored to have been included in many Parramore family adventures in the 1960's - dinners after church and the family's cottage on Lake Michigan hold special memories. Dick was always lots of fun and happy to include other kids - even though he had 6 of his own. Young Life became an important part of High School years, and was life-changing for so many. His love of Christ and the fun-loving spirit he brought to everything he did will be remembered by more people than he ever could have imagined. I speak for many when I say that we are grateful for our time together here, and look forward to eternity together with Our Lord Jesus.
My thoughts and prayers are with Barb, Kathy, Jamey, Rick, Nancy, Julie, and all.
Bob Livingston
May 5, 2010
Since hearing about Dick's death, I have been flooded with memories of Dick (and Barb and the whole Parramore family!). Being a former GR Young Lifer, I can still see Dick sitting around a breakfast table at Granny's, with his mini-J.B. Phillips translation of the New Testament open, teaching a bunch of motley guys about God and what it means to "walk the walk" of faith; or picture Dick driving toward the basket in a pick-up basketball game at the Parramore cottage on a summer Sunday afternoon; or see Dick playing touch football with us at a field near their Leonard Street home; or hear Dick giving a Young Life talk in one of our homes, telling us about the importance of faith and the living presence of God; or see Dick bailing one of us out when we needed help and counseling us when we were troubled--and so on and on. Dick lived his faith in "word and deed" and has left those of us fortunate enough to have known him with countless images of grace, love, service, and compassion. Dick was a truly great man who touched our world with his energy, faith, and presence and changed our lives--and leaves this earthly place a much better place for his having lived his life. Our collective thougths, love, and prayers are with Barb and his wonderful family. Thanks be to God for Dick Parramore.
Jack DeBaar
May 4, 2010
I am just one of the hundreds of (kids) people that Dick (& Barb) impacted during his time as a Young Life leader in the Grand Rapids area. I'll never forget Dick watching football practice at OHHS and remembering my name as I left the field, the basketball & burgers at the cottage and most of all the club talks & bible studies where Dick taught us that Jesus loves us more than we know and that He wants a personal relationship with us.
Barb & family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack & Marcia DeBaar
April 28, 2010
"Ziggy" (as he was dubbed by his college football coach and lifelong friend H.C. Chrouser) was in the words of his college prexy VR Edman "a lad true". Dick donated thousands of lumber feet to the construction of Wheaton's northwoods campus Honey Rock and serve faithfully on its advisory board for decades. Whenever I called him in the past years his upbeat, Christlike character shone thru, never complaining about his progressive illness. In serving his Lord and Fellow Man, Dick was unfailing supported by Barbara Ann to whom--in behalf of your Wheaton classmates and friends--we tender our loving sympathy.
Dick, ole buddy, we shall meet again.
Ray Smith, Past President, Wheaton Alumni Association, Wheaton, IL
P.S. Thanks for nicknaming me "The Scribe." You could have done a lot worse.
April 28, 2010
In memory of Dick,
Many years ago, I met Dick and he was kind enough to offer a job to me working in the hardware and later in the lumber yard at Smith Groen while I was attending Calvin College. Working with Dave Beck, Roy Smith and others proved to be a great training ground for my lifelong career in building materials. I will not forget the opportunity that Dick gave me that day. My deepest sympathy to your family. Gary Schripsema
April 27, 2010
Barbara and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. You all are in my prayers. I would love to see you. It's been so long since the family gatherings.
Love and Prayers
Suann Gackler Hewlett
April 27, 2010
Dick was more like a friend than a boss. It's sad to see him go but knowing he is with the Lord is all joy. May Barb and all his family be comforted in that fact. Dave Beck
April 27, 2010
To the Parramore family - our heartfelt Christian condolences to all of you in your loss. We have many fond memories of Smith-Groen Lumber Company. My father, Chuck Wiersma, was a part of that history. Nancy, our condolences especially to you at this time. We have you in our prayers.
Alyce (Wiersma)Stark - Grand Rapids MI
Jack Wiersma - Palm Beach Gardens FL
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Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home - Canal Fulton624 Cherry Street East, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
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