Steven Gary Parnes

Steven Gary Parnes transitioned peacefully on June 25, 2024, in Toccoa, Georgia three months to the day following the death of his beloved wife Barbara. He came into this world on May 7, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. His family had escaped religious persecution in their native Austria and made America their home. An only child, born to William and Dorothy Parnes, he was the apple of their eye and a true first-generation American. Growing up in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, Steven grew into a smart and ambitious young man. His high intellect and aptitude allowed him to attend the illustrious Stuyvesant High School where he graduated at the young age of 16. He spent his summers in the Catskills Mountains where he attended Camp Ranger in Swan Lake, New York where his mother served as the bookkeeper and his aunts, the caterers. He spoke fondly of his time at Camp Ranger and how he landed the best job as a young man as a Guest Waiter at the resort. Later in the mid-1970s, he passed on the legacy of being a Ranger-ite to his daughter Allison and son Reed when they were pre-teens.
Steven earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. And, as a glowing example of the incredibly dynamic person that he was, Steven chose to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, an HBCU during the height of the Civil Rights movement. Loving his country and a proud American, he enlisted in the United Sates Air Force where he earned the rank of Captain. He served in the Dental Corps, stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. It was there that he met his future wife, Barbara and her two children, Allison, and Reed. It was love at first sight and Steven and Barbara were married in 1971 and honeymooned in Atlanta with the children. It was then that they decided Atlanta would be the perfect place to raise a family and start a dental practice. Their son Michael was born in November 1971 and in August of 1972, the family of five moved to Atlanta.
Steven opened an office in Roswell near the Chattahoochee River and began building a flourishing practice. He and Barbara built a home together in the Sandy Springs area, which they still lived in until their respective passings. They enjoyed traveling together when they could. In the early 1990's Steve moved his practice just a few miles down the road to Dunwoody where he continued to practice in this same office nearly 35 years until he fell ill in April. He was adored by his patients, and he truly loved being a dentist. He was an active member of the Alpha Omega International Dental Society and served as his professional study club's president.
Steven enjoyed playing golf with his close group of friends, and always looked forward to the guy's trips to great courses throughout the U.S. He was also a car afficionado and always had some sort of unique and interesting vehicle in his garage, never settling for the ordinary! His love of cars was passed down to his children and grandchildren, especially his son, Michael who shared his passion for MGs and racing. He and Michael raced together in the SCCA and vintage circuit for several years and were very competitive earning numerous podiums. He also enjoyed antiquing with his wife Barbara and they had an eye for unique finds and curiosities. Steve's father was a lawyer by profession, but an expert watch maker and engineer by trade. This love of watches carried over to Steve, his breadth of knowledge about them was impressive. On Sunday mornings Steve would make his world-famous chocolate chip pancakes to the delight of his children, grandchildren and visiting guests. A tradition carried on by his son and his family.
Steven was an easy-going, kind, popular, and charming man. He was easy to talk with, knowledgeable in almost any subject and would offer sage advice to help with any situation. He was also an incredibly loyal friend and father and was always there when you needed him, no questions asked. He was the kind of man that would literally offer you the shirt off his back. He loved animals and in his later years, adored his "baby" cat Portia, who provided him great comfort following Barbara's death. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He taught them about the Jewish faith and culture, opening their eyes to new ways and old traditions, and in doing so created an open-minded and blended family. He was a sharp dresser and Barbara used to joke that he had an air of a European gentleman and turned heads wherever they went.
In his final weeks, Steve stayed with his son and family in their mountain home in North Georgia. After just a couple days, he had all but forgotten about his old city life and embraced the clean mountain air and lifestyle. He was able to relax, play with the animals, talk with the grandchildren and watch the sunsets on the back deck with a cold beer.
Steven is predeceased by his parents, William and Dorothy; his wife, Barbara; and his son, Reed.
Steven is survived by his son, Michael David Parnes (Mary "Alisan"); daughter Allison Waugh Smith Monnell (Richard) and six grandsons: Grant Reed Waugh III (Aileen), Grant Robinson Smith, Sterling Hays Smith, Jacob Matthew Waugh, Zion Alexander Parnes, and Donovan Wolfe Parnes.
Steven will be laid to rest with military honors on Friday, July 5th at 10 a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NephCure, www.give.nephcure.org.
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Meeting ID: 871 3212 9319
Passcode: 342548