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Gary Parham Obituary
May 20, 1947 - April 3, 2020
Gary was born in Paragould, Arkansas to Audrey and Rudolph Parham. The family moved to Modesto, California when he was five years old. He graduated Thomas Downey High School in 1965, and was drafted into the Army in 1966. He served in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1968. Gary began his career with the U.S. Postal Service in 1969 and rose to the rank of Postmaster for Riverbank, California, and retired in 1995. Upon retirement, Gary pursued his love for classic cars by joining the Mid-Valley Chevy Club and restoring a 1938 Chevrolet. He loved attending car related events with the club, like Cool April Nights in Fortuna, Hot August Nights in Reno, and every Graffiti event in the Modesto area. Gary also developed a love for cameras, and created a hefty classic car portfolio.
Gary is survived by his wife, Wendy Parham, his two daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and Alan Kosky, and Kristi and Scott Kelechenyi, his sister, Betty Fahey, and five grandchildren, Taylor, Emily, Megan, and Barrett. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Audrey and Rudolph Parham, and his son Keith Parham. We will miss you, and remember you always.
We will celebrate Gary's life when it is safer for everyone to gather.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Parham
Gary Robinson
June 3, 2020
Gary was a hell of a guy. I was, probably, a forgettable boyfriend of one of his daughters and he was always respectful, inclusive and kind. We shared a love for cars and that was enough. He is indelibly ingrained as a man of character, purpose, and moral integrity. I wish his family peace in his passing. Gary was one of the finest men I have been fortunate to know.
Georgia Ledbetter
May 29, 2020
Wendy and family,
I was so surprised and sad to hear of Garys passing. I send you all my love, prayers and deepest sympathy!
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow!
Love
Georgia Ledbetter
Charlie
April 16, 2020
Sorry for you loss Wendy, Gary had a great sense of humor even when he wasnt feeling his best he could still make us all laugh. He will be greatly missed, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charlie
April 16, 2020
Sorry for you loss Wendy, Gary had a great sense of humor even when he wasnt feeling his best he could still make us all laugh. He will be greatly missed, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charlie
April 15, 2020
Wendy, so sorry to hear about Gary passing. His sense of humor was one of a kind. Even when he was feeling down at times he could still make us laugh. Hell truly be missed, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Grant Williams
April 13, 2020
Wendy and Kim, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your families.
April 13, 2020
Gary, you always had a smile for me and I will always remember that. You were one of the gone ones. Still never know why you were determined to call me Bubbles in high school. Prayers to all the family. Pat (Spearing) Gillum
Jim Atkinson
April 12, 2020
Gary, you were around quite a bit when I was growing up. I still remember some of your stories. Funny guy! Condolences to Wendy and family.
Judi Mantarro-Black
April 11, 2020
Gary, you were always so special and I will forever remember you fondly and with a big smile. Rest now and know you will be missed by many Thoughts and prayers to Gary's lovely Wendy and family. I am so sorry for your loss❤
Don Dillard
April 10, 2020
So sad, such a great guy!
Allen Frantz
April 9, 2020
Will miss our chats. Enjoyed our time in the Army. Especially enjoyed our time with you on our trip west. You are Healed now. Love Ya Buddy. Thinking of you and the Family Wendy.
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