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Charles Parham Obituary
Rev. Dr. Charles B. Parham, Jr., age 80, passed away on November 20, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Charles was preceded in death by an infant sister and his parents, Charles B. Parham, Sr. and Lena Lowe Rogers Parham of Grand Junction, TN. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patty; daughter Holly Fuquay (Russ) and their children Taylor & Lauren; son Ben Parham (Suzanne) and their children Grace, Eric, Trevor, & Hope. Charles was a graduate of Memphis State University where he received undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in Sacred Music. He was an ordained deacon and served as Minister of Music and organist for Methodist churches in Brownsville, TN; Milan, TN; Big Spring, TX; Abilene, TX; Memphis, TN; Middletown, OH; and Knoxville, TN and was serving at Central UMC until his death. He was past Dean of the Dayton Chapter of American Guild of Organists, a past Rotary president and Paul Harris Fellow, and volunteer teacher at Joy of Music School. Charles never met a stranger and will be missed by many. The family appreciates the care and dedication of the doctors, nurses, and technicians at Fort Sanders Hospital. The family gathered to scatter ashes with Rev. Jimmy Sherrod and Rev. Stephanie Parrott officiating. A celebration of life service will be held next year when it is safe to gather. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central UMC, 201 E 3rd Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Parham
Stacey Bott
July 11, 2021
I am late hearing of Charles' passing and apologize for the late note. Charles was such a kind and brave man. Who else would be willing to register his youth handbell choir for conferences and drive church vans loaded with rowdy teenagers hundreds of miles to get there...and do it year after year? From the youth fundraising that made it feasible to the awesome road trips to the actual handbell conferences, we had such great experiences with all of those trips with Charles at the helm! These trips orchestrated by Charles while he was at FUMC Big Spring are some of my fondest youth memories. He also managed to squeeze in a trip to Six Flags on one of our trips, which was also fabulous, especially for a group of small town kids who traveled over 300 miles to get there. I don't know who enjoyed the roller coasters more, Charles or our handbell choir kids, but a great time was had by all. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to ring handbells and sing under the direction of such an amazing man, and I will always remember the positive impact he had on my life!
Linda Strickland
January 6, 2021
He was our youth choir director at Raleigh Methodist Church in Memphis. Learned so much from him.
Shaun Salem
December 14, 2020
Of the many kind things I could say about Charles, the memory that stands out to me the most was his love of rollercoasters. No rollercoaster was too daunting for Charles. I hope the great amusement park beyond is full of rollercoasters and Charles never has to stand in line waiting to ride! Godspeed, Charles!
George Scott
December 14, 2020
I never knew Charles in all my years attending Central UMC in Knoxville, until I was asked to record Sunday services during the summer of 2020 when church attendance was not possible. I got to know him, though at a physical distance, and spent hours each week editing his music on the video of him I had shot. I learned of his sense of humor, and his gentle manner and devotion to his church. I was glad to get to know him, and miss him.
John Hatch
December 13, 2020
I met him and his family when they were at FUMC Big Spring. Always enjoyed his music. Holly, he was a great person and I’m glad our paths crossed.
Zach Millwood
December 13, 2020
A genuine, thoughtful, and generous person such as Charles is among few equals. He is missed dearly and will be remembered by all who have met him. ❤
Brian Varner
December 13, 2020
Charles was the kindest person I think I’ve ever met in my life. He was a dear friend, a helper and a teacher. he and Patty were both very supportive of my music and invited me multiple times two participate in different programs at Central United Methodist Church. every time I ever talk to Charles on the phone he always reminded me if there was anything I needed don’t hesitate to call. He will be missed.
December 12, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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