Mervin W. Parr

Mervin W. (Bill) Parr, 81, of Salem, went to be at peace with his Lord in the early hours of Tuesday, April 30, 2013. He was predeceased by his father, Turner Sam Parr; mother, Mae Drye; step-father, Clarence Drye; and brother, Glen Parr. Left to treasure his memory are his loving wife of 25 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Hamlen Parr; half-sister, Mariah Foster; sons, Danny Parr and wife, Kay, Tommy Parr and wife, Susan, and Mike Parr and wife, Lindsey; step-daughters, Terry Colville and husband, Chris, Becki Hamlen, and Jenny Hamlen and partner, Art Durham; and numerous beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Bill proudly served his country during the Korean War and was awarded two Purple Hearts. He spent his career with the United States Postal Service retiring in 1989. Throughout his life, Bill was actively involved in various churches, sharing his love of the Lord as a member of multiple choirs. He was a member of the American Legion and held the rank of Chevalier KCTJ in the Sovereign Military Order of Temple of Jerusalem. He was proud of his Scotch-Irish heritage and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of Highland Games. In retirement, he developed a love for reading, enjoyed golfing and hawking balls on the links of Myrtle Beach, and volunteered countless hours for the Humane Society. With Liz he shared a passion for seeing the world, cherishing their time together in Israel and on multiple river cruises throughout Europe. Bill never met a stranger and will forever be remembered for the generosity of his spirit, charming humor, radiant smile, and devotion to his family, friends, and faith. Funeral services followed by a reception will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 3 p.m. at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Salem. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Pauls Episcopal Church at 42 West Main Street in Salem, VA 24153 or to the Jerusalem Mite c/o Chev. Edward S. Garlock, GCTJ, Grand Treasurer, SMOTJ, PO Box 83926 in Gaithersburg, MD 20883-3926. The Parr family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home and Crematory in Salem, 540-389-5441.