Billy E. Parmenter

It is with profound sadness that we share the death of our co-worker and friend, Billy Edward Parmenter, who died Thursday, November 13, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born July 28, 1938, he was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Sarah Lucille Dyer Parmenter. Bill retired as textile manager at Dyersburg Fabrics and has been employed as a licensed funeral director at Curry Funeral Home since his retirement.
Bill was born in Lenox, TN and was the oldest of six children. He was also the only boy of the family. He attended Lenox Grammar School and Dyersburg High School, where he graduated in 1956. After graduating high school, he began his career at Dyersburg Fabrics, where he worked in the Dye House, later becoming the Dye House Manager. While working there, he taught Safety Classes to the employees, and participated in many activities, such as the bowling league, where his team was Tournament Champions, and Breakfast with Santa. He worked there for 45 years. While working full-time he began attending Dyersburg State Community College, where he earned his Associate of Science Degree with highest honors in 1974. Then in 1978, he completed a Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking and Human Relations. In addition to his busy work schedule with Dyersburg Fabrics, he also was a D.J. for WTRO Radio Station and a part time actor with different acting groups like Stage Door Players and Night Lite Theater, and the Newbern Depot. He will be remembered for some of the characters he played such as Mr. Potter from "It's A Wonderful Life," Teddy Roosevelt from "Arsenic and Old Lace," Snoopy from the play "Snoopy," and Jacob from "Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." He had a special gift of interacting with people and making them laugh. Even though his life was busy, he proudly served his country in The Tennessee National Guard. Later in life, he would join the Dyersburg Choral Society and become the President of it from 2005 – 2006. He was an active member of Dyersburg First Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and a Sunday School teacher.
In November 1963, he went on a blind date, where he fell in love and later on October 3, 1964, he married the love of his life, Janie Lavon Lay. They began their life together on Victory Street, where they made wonderful friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Even after moving from Victory Street to their present-day home, they continued to treasure the memories they made there. On September 7, 1966, their one and only daughter, Kym, was born. Bill was a wonderful father who always supported Kym in everything. He was the Dyersburg High School Band Booster President from 1981 - 1984, and attended many competitions, worked many fundraisers and supported not only his daughter, but many other band students throughout his years. Later, after Kym married, he loved and supported his son-in-law, Carey Allen Sanders, in everything. He loved him like a son. But his precious granddaughter, Kaitlyn was his pride and joy. He supported her and loved her with all his heart. He shared a love of music with her and so enjoyed listening to her play the piano.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Dyersburg First Cumberland Presbyterian Church officiated by Reverend Victor Hassell and Reverend Jerry Powell with interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Monday, November 17th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church and Tuesday, November 18th beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time in the Parlor of the church.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janie Lay Parmenter; his daughter, Kym Sanders and husband, Carey of Greenfield; his granddaughter, Kaitlyn Sanders of Greenfield; and two sisters, Patsye Jones and her husband Shelton of Dyersburg and Dianna Flatt of Newbern.
Landon Carroll, Jim Ennis, Jake Gregson, Jim Joyner, Terry McCreight, and Bill VanSant will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Alford, Danny Fowlkes, Shelton Jones, and the Employees of Curry Funeral Home.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three sisters, Shirley Gibson, Doris Karlgaard and Linda Foster.
The family requests memorials be directed to Dyersburg First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2280 Parr Avenue, Dyersburg, TN 38024 or to charity of the donor's choice.
Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him – his co-workers, friends, and family alike. His legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire us. We are privileged and honored to serve the family of Billy E. Parmenter. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.