Donald Ray Parham

Retired Staff Sergeant Donald "Don" Ray Parham, 74, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025, at his home in China Grove.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Friday, October 31, 2025, at Lakewood Baptist Church. Pastor Steve Leigh will officiate. A graveside with full military honors is scheduled for 11:00 am Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 pm Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Lady's Funeral Home.

Mr. Parham was born December 1, 1950 in Brunswick, GA. He was a son of the late Jasper Hullet Parham and Ruth Hill Parham. He was a member of Lakewood Baptist Church. Don loved his career in the Army, which was very special to him. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Don enjoyed motorcycles, old cars, racing, and Georgia football. He graduated from AL Brown High School. He retired as a Staff Sergeant from the US Army where he proudly served for 21 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Ricky Astle, III; two brothers, Walter Lee Parham and Hullet "Butch" Parham; and granddaughter, Danielle Wilkes.

Mr. Parham is survived by his wife of 32 years, Frances Mullis Parham; five children, Terry Parham, Chris Parham and wife Ashley, Michael Morgan, Linda Braelfort and husband Chris, and Tina Yow; 11 grandchildren, Leah, Aaron, Austin, Brittany, Unique, Neasha, Molly, Brandon, Alyssa, Logan, and Emily; five great grandchildren, Devon, Leilani, Issiah, Brent, and Weslie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Among those who will miss him deeply is his close friend and Army brother, Lt. Bill Gavin.

Memorials may be sent to Lakewood Baptist Church Building Fund, 806 Kluttz Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081.