Gene Parrott

Gene Parrott, age 95, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. Gene was born in Pickett County on August 10th, 1927 during the Great Depression. Memories of laborious farm work and childhood adventures filled Gene’s repertoire of captivating tales.

Gene was of The Greatest Generation. He proudly served in the Marine Corps during World War II. Attending Tennessee Tech on the GI bill, Gene was elected the president of the Agriculture Club. He invited the love of his life, Mary Lou, to a Club dance with Guy Lombardo’s Big Band performing. Gene graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.

Gene Parrott married Mary Lou Thomas on November 8, 1952. He worked with Broadacres Dairies in Powell. Gene moved to Knoxville in 1961, working with Dairymen, Inc. for 50 years as fieldman manager, and consultant. Gene knew all the dairy farmers in Tennessee and surrounding states, forging many life-long friendships. Gene and Mary Lou were faithful members of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church.

Gene enjoyed spinning tales, family reunions, ‘snipe hunting’, gifting jars of sourwood honey, country ham, and hickory-smoked bacon.

Both Gene and Mary Lou were proud to celebrate 65 years of faithful marriage in 2017. They are now together in Heaven.

Special thanks is given to Dr. Paul Wakefield, nurses, and staff; Dr. George Newman and Powell Dialysis Clinic

Gene is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Lou; parents Herman and Ermon Parrott (Pickett County); brothers Harold Parrott (Columbia) and Clay Parrott (Knoxville); sister, Lerion McNabb (Oak Ridge); granddaughter Rachael.

He is survived by his daughters Carolyn Parrott and Diane Parrott; grandson Daniel Gene Parrott and wife Chelsea; great grandchildren Jackson Gene, Abigail May, and Myles Caleb; sisters Evelyn Lee (Austin, TX) and Ann Smith (Antioch). The family will receive friends 10 – 11 am Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville, TN. The Memorial Service will follow with Dr. James McCluskey and grandson, Daniel Gene Parrott officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berrylynnhurst.com for the Parrott family.