Obituary of Richard Charles Parrott, Jr.

Richard Charles Parrott III passed away unexpectedly on April 10, 2018 with family by his side. Richard was born June 9, 1948 in Gulfport, MS to the late Rosie Mae Parrott-Norris and the late Richard Charles England. Richard additionally had a bond andloving relationship with his step-father Rev E.W. Norris who raised him.

Richard was baptized at a young age at Little Rock Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS. As a child he enjoyed going fishing and squirrel hunting with his brothers. He later developed a passion for running and used to compete in the annual Borgess “Run for the Health of it” races. You could also catch Richard at the horse track, he loved watching and betting on the different horse races. Richard kept in close contact with his sister Tina, in fact she was his favorite pen-pal. 

After graduating from 33rd High School Richard in Gulfport, MS, Richard was drafted into to the Army for preparation of the Vietnam War. Upon release Richard received a Purple Heart and moved to Grand Rapids, MI where he married Betty Tatum in 1970, they later conceived Richard Charles Parrott IV. 

Richard worked for General Motors for more than 35 years, he was hardworking and dedicated to his job up until he retired several years ago. If you knew Richard, you knew that he was also a doctor, lawyer, painter, therapist, story-teller and comedian…basically a JACK OF ALL TRADES! Richard never met a stranger, he could talk to anyone about anything and was affectionately known as“Walkie Talkie.”

Richard’s legacy will carry on through his three sons Richard Charles Parrott IV of Grand Rapids, MI, Ontario Charles (Candace)Parrott and Rishard Lamar Parrott of Kalamazoo, MI; Grandchildren, Arianna Parrott, Ricari Parrott, Richard Charles Parrott V, Angel Brown, Ka-mi Brown-Parrott, Malaysia Brown-Parrott, Charlie Brown-Parrott; Great-grandchildren, Kenora Parrott, Jordynn Parrott, Richard Charles Parrott VI, Elijah Deboer and Helen Parrott. 

Richard is preceded in death by his siblings Mendola Thomas, Curley Parrot, Willie Parrott and Michael Parrott. Richard will be missed dearly by his sisters, Betty (Jimmy) Payton, Warstiena Parrott and Maryland Norris; his brothers, Howard Parrott and Joseph (Tamara) Parrott all from Mississippi; a host of nieces, nephews and special friends; Fred, Jimmy, Richard, Ronnie, keeboand Michelle Dunning that he loved dearly. Richard’s familycherishes the time that they’ve had with him and will surely miss him sense of humor and infectious laughs.