Larry Dean Parham “Papper”

Published 4:22 pm Monday, May 15, 2017

July 12, 1945 – May 11, 2017

But To Me
Some just hear the wind
As it blows on through the trees,
But it’s the Lord, I hear his voice
Speaking unto me.

Some just see the sun
As a light for another day,
But to me it’s a light from God
To lead me on my way.

Some hear just nature’s sound
As it fills the air
But to me it’s Angel’s voices
Coming from the heavenly choir.
—Larry Parham

Larry Dean Parham of Elizabethton, Tenn., returned to the arms of the Lord on Thursday, May 11, 2017.
Larry was born in Asheville, N.C. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. On July 2, 1967, Larry married his one, everlasting love, Carmon Stiles. Larry and Carmon are active members of Church of Watauga Flats.
Larry never met a stranger and always had a smile, joke or kind word for those he met. His love and influence can be found all over the world due to his love of people and support he gave his many adopted military families. Inviting and accepting them into his home and making them family, while they were so far away from home. While to some he was known as Larry, to more he was loved as “Papper”. Through his artwork and writings, he has touched those fortunate enough to have experienced the poetic expression soul to soul. He was and always will be a man you won’t forget easily, whether you knew him a day or a lifetime.
Papper is survived by his loving wife, Carmon (Elizabethton, Tenn.); children, Steven and Tammy Martin (Roan Mountain, Tenn.), Stacy Parham (Virginia Beach, Va.), DeWayne Kent (Asheville, N.C.) and LaDonna and David Smith (Asheville, N.C.); grandchildren, Andrew Smith, Amber Hensley (Chris), Ryan Pluto (Stephanie), Ashlyn McCann (Dustin), Lacey Godbey (David), Maitlyn Grindstaff (Casey) and Sydney Kent; great-grandchildren, Edward, Callen, Shane, Bryce, Everett, Kaleb and Levi; his brother, Charles Parham (Murfreesboro, Tenn.); and many nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his son, James Bryan Parham; his parents, James and Helen Parham; his brothers, Robert and Rex Parham; his sister, Joyce Evans; and nephew, Jeff Parham.
A gathering in his name was held Saturday, May 13, at the Martin Home in Roan Mountain. A Celebration of His Life will be held on the weekend of Larry and Carmon’s 50th wedding anniversary planned for July 1, 2017 in Roan Mountain. Memorial gifts may be directed to the family.
Tribute Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the Parham family.