Howard Vernard Parham, Sr. also known as “Buddy” passed away August 15, 2020, he was 86 years old.
Howard was born December 9, 1933, in Norfolk,VA to the late Charlie and Odeania Parham. He is preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life for 61 years, Harriette L. Parham, who passed away May 14, 2020; his oldest son, Howard Parham Jr.; seven brothers, Charlie Parham Jr., Walter Parham, Robert Parham, Solomon Parham, James Parham Sr., Morris Parham Sr., John Parham, and three sisters, Dorothy McGee, Ruth Walker, Delores Boston. Howard was the last surviving child of the late Charlie and Odeania Parham.
Howard was educated in the Norfolk Public school system, a graduate of Booker T Washington High School class of 1954. While in high school, Howard met the love of his life, his life partner, Harriette Lamb. Howard and Harriette married and shared a life together for over 61 years. Out of their union were three children ~ Howard Jr., LaVonna, and Heith.
Howard was drafted to the US Army and proudly served three years in Germany. After his military service, Howard worked as an Insurance Agent for 22 years with North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1999, Howard retired at the age of 65 from The Virginian Pilot as a Independent Distributor Team Leader after 16 years of loyal and dedicated service.
In his spare time, Howard enjoyed playing golf and maintaining his yard. Howard was an excellent golfer; playing since his teen years and possessing a phenomenal short game. Howard spent many happy hours on the greens of local golf courses, such as Lake Wright, Stumpy Lake, Ocean View, and Calhoun Plantation. He also liked to watch golf on TV, especially when Tiger Woods played.
Howard was known to keep a neatly cut and manicured yard. Howard was very meticulous with keeping his yard neatly cut and trimmed. Howard was proud to sit back in his chair on the patio, sip a glass of ice tea and enjoy looking at his beautiful maintained yard after a long day performing yard work.
Howard was known by the neighborhood children as “Mr. Buddy; when they would see him taking his daily walk, they would always say “Hello Mr. Buddy”, he would give a big smile and say hello.
Howard especially enjoyed spending time with his wife and family. He enjoyed taking family vacations, having a nice meal, holiday gatherings and seeing his grandkids. Howard was never camera shy, he enjoyed being ready to take a picture anytime and you would always see him with a big smile on his face.
Howard truly loved his wife Harriette, she was his soul mate and life long partner. He was always smiling with her and always made sure “Harriette” was right by his side. Howard deeply missed his wife after her recent passing. “Two hearts that share one love, one life, will always know true love”
Howard will be remembered as a wonderful person, a loving father, grandfather, and uncle and such a good man who would give sound advice. He will be missed so much by family and friends and all who were lucky enough to know him.
Howard leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted children, LaVonna Donald (Robert) of Chesapeake and Heith Parham of Norfolk; five grandchildren ~ Keire, Howard III, Julian, Jameela and Karis; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends.
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Laura Keesey says
August 21, 2020 at 8:59 amSending love and prayers of peace to the family and friends of Mr. Parham. He was a nice man, who always had a smile in his heart.
Clairese Mason says
August 22, 2020 at 7:58 amMy prayers are with you all. May God comfort you during this difficult time. He was a good neighbor and a good friend that always had a smile when you greeted him. I miss seeing him on his daily walks. May God bless you all.
Willie Boston Jr says
August 24, 2020 at 8:37 amFrom
Willie Boston Jr & Tonya Olds in
Columbus Ga
Son & daughter
of Willie Boston Sr & Delores (Parham) Boston
We’re deeply sadden by ANY of our family members transitioning, and that is the case here also.
We’re so sorry, and send our sincere condolences to the family.
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Rodney Parham says
August 24, 2020 at 2:18 pmSending my condolences to the family. R. I. P. Uncle Buddy. Your nephew from Baltimore. Charles Parham your brothers second son.
Morris Parham Jr. says
August 24, 2020 at 3:31 pmOur heartfelt condolences to the family. We will always remember your kindness and love of golf. Rest well Uncle Buddy, you had a good life.
Love and God Bless,
Morris Parham, Jr and Mark Parham …. from California.
Melinda R Parham says
August 24, 2020 at 3:47 pmMelinda Parham
Sending my condolences to the family. R.I.P. Uncle Buddy with the rest of the family. Your niece from Baltimore.
Carolyn S. Brown says
August 25, 2020 at 1:23 pmSincere condolences to the family. May God’s love and mercy sustain you. Your cousin, granddaughter of Ruth Parham Simmons, sister of Charlie Parham, Buddy’s father.