Jerry Parham

Major (Retired) Jerry Wayne Parham, 75, of Seagrove, NC, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, in Winston-Salem, NC. Born on October 14, 1951, in Amory and raised in the Parham Community, Jerry attended Hatley High School and was a member of New Hope Church of Christ.

Jerry lived a life marked by service, devotion, and purpose. A proud patriot, he dedicated 23 years to the Mississippi Army National Guard, where he began as an enlisted soldier, completed OCS, received numerous medals, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Major. During his military career, he also earned bachelor’s degree in business from Liberty University and William Carey College. After his military career, Jerry continued to serve others through his work at Amory Garment, Georgia-Pacific and ultimately the U.S. Census Bureau, where he remained committed to his duties until recent weeks.

Jerry is survived by his sons Jason Parham (Kellie), Nathan Parham, and Adam Parham; his stepson Brad Wilkerson (Kayla) and family; his grandsons Brayden, Zachary, Tyler, and Kyle Parham; his loving sister Janice Parham; his ex-wife Debbie Carter; the family of his life partner Betsy Skeen; his nieces Heather Senter (Neil) and family, April Weingartner (Scott) and family, and Ashley Vereyken; his nephew Clint Vereyken (Heather) and family; and many other beloved family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Mavis Parham; his life partner, Betsy Skeen; his ex-wife, Sandra Lollar; and his cherished daughter, Amanda Parham. We rejoice in knowing they are reunited in the presence of God.

Jerry loved his family and friends deeply, and he never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and a genuine interest in every person he encountered. He took great pride in his grandsons’ accomplishments and found joy in all their successes. Jerry also had a lifelong passion for cars—buying them, selling them, driving them, and collecting them brought him great delight.

Jerry’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love, things that he spoke about and that gave him peace in his final hours. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched, and we take comfort in the promise of Scripture that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

May his memory be a blessing, and may his family and friends find peace in God’s enduring grace.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM until the service hour. Services for Jerry Parham will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM at EE Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Coy Waters and Bro. Chris Zirlott officiating. Burial to follow at New Hope Cemetery in Hatley, MS. Pallbearers will be Brayden Parham, Zachary Parham, Tyler Parham, Kyle Parham, Clinton Vereyken, and Kaleb Wilkerson.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN.