Robert Parrott

Robert Parrott

Knoxville, TN

Robert Cureton Parrott (Bob), 82, died peacefully at home on Sunday, November 20, 2016 after a brave struggle with cancer. A native of Newport, Tennessee, he earned his degree in architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology and then spent three years as an officer and pilot in the U.S. Air Force. His professional career began at BarberMcMurry Architects, Knoxville's oldest architectural firm, where he served as President, Chairman, and Senior Partner. He was elected to the College of Fellows of The American Institute of Architects and awarded the Gold Medal of the East Tennessee Chapter, AIA. A natural leader and diplomat, he was an active participant in many community organizations, including Leadership Knoxville (1992); Pellissippi State Community College Foundation (past Chair); University of Tennessee President's Club and Chancellor's Associates; UT Clarence Brown Theatre Board (past Chair, Emeritus Board, and recipient of the CBT Champion Award); Junior Achievement of East Tennessee Board; the Design Review Board for the Development Corporation of Knox County; Fort Sanders/Tennessee Wesleyan School of Nursing Board of Visitors; Episcopal School of Knoxville Board; Church of the Ascension (Sr. Warden of the Vestry); Rotary Club of Knoxville (past President), Paul Harris Society Major Donor, and Rotary Foundation of Knoxville Founder's Club. Respected and loved by his family and friends who considered him a role model, he was eloquent, cultured, wise, and witty. He and his wife were avid readers and travelers. They particularly loved their many trips to Europe, especially Hungary where they worked and laughed with the Hungarian Rotarians on many joint humanitarian projects.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lagretta Parrott; and former wives, Debbie Parrott and Jean Parrott. He is survived by his devoted wife, Margie; mother-in-law, Dorothy Weaver; and his blended family consisting of sons, Mark Parrott, Paul Wohlford, III (Ann), Todd Parrott (Lisa), Sean Parrott (Agata), Brian Prince (Patricia); daughter, Amy Caponetti (James); 14 grandchildren, Kaitlyn Johnson (Jason), Jack Parrott, Paul Wohlford, IV, Alex Wohlford, Bethany Wohlford, Hunter Parrott, Rachel Parrott, Emelia Parrott, Vincent Parrott, Nicholas Parrott, Becca Wood, Bo Caponetti, Lisey Caponetti, Marisa Caponetti; and his faithful black lab companion, Ralph Cramdon.

A memorial service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension on Monday, November 28 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Rob Gieselmann officiating. Memorials may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 800 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919; Rotary Foundation of Knoxville, Scholarship Fund, 501 Main Avenue, No. 166, Knoxville, TN 37901; or the UT Clarence Brown Theatre Artists Endowment, 206 McClung Tower, Knoxville, TN 37966. Arrangements by Berry Highland Memorial. Online condolences at www.highlandmemorialknoxville.com.