William Edward Parham

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen Owen Parham, daughters, Carol McGowan and husband, David of Wilmington and Jane Howard and husband, Paul Whit of Raleigh. He is also survived by his grandchildren, David McGowan, III and wife, Carolyn, Jennings McGowan Lathan and husband, Sam and Whit Howard and wife, Hadley, as well as 5 great grandchildren.

Following high school, W.E. joined the U.S. Army-Air Force and served in WWII. After his military service, he graduated from East Carolina with a degree in Business Administration. He enjoyed a long career in the tobacco industry with J. P. Taylor Company in Henderson, Bright Leaf and Burly Tobacco Company in Smithfield, and K. R. Edwards Tobacco Company in Richmond, VA. He returned to Smithfield in 1967 where he continued with K. R. Edwards until his retirement in 1993.

A Celebration of W. E.'s life will be held Monday, October 24, 2016, at 2pm at First Baptist Church, 202 S. 4th St, Smithfield, NC 27577. The family will receive friends at the home of Jane and Paul Whit Howard on Sunday, October 23rd, from 4-6pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the First Baptist Church, Smithfield.

Arrangements are under the care of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s St, Raleigh, NC 27605.