Roger Carl Parham, 74, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, in Portsmouth, VA, to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born in Norfolk to the late Roger and Georgia Parham. Roger was a loving father and grandfather. His family best described him as lovable, humble, and filled with gratitude, while also being suave and the most debonair soul. Roger was a US Army veteran, earning the National Defense and Vietnam Service Medals, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Sharpshooter M14, among other medals. After his dedicated service, Roger continued to serve in the US Army National Guard. As a civilian, he maintained a career of service as a Tools and Parts Attendant at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, retiring with 36 years of service.
Roger grew up in the Titustown neighborhood of Norfolk, VA, where he attended Titustown Elementary, Northside Junior High, and Granby High School. He was an active child, serving as a Boy Scout, lifeguard, and caddy at the local golf course. He loved music, even teaching his younger brother to play drums. They later formed a band, playing gigs at the Naval Base club.
Roger remained devoted to his family throughout his life, caring for his mother, Georgia Parham, until her death, and enjoying a close relationship with his sister and brother-in-law, Earl, and brother, Marvin. Roger was an involved father, teaching and sharing with his daughters and his nephew his many hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, martial arts and watching the Redskins play football. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, most especially his grandkids.
Roger is cherished in memory by his devoted daughters, Latonia Page and her husband, Brent, with whom he was close, and Racquel Parham; his former wife Linda, his daughters’ mother; his siblings Jeanet King and her husband, Earl, and their son, Emil (Kelli-Ann), his brother Marvin Parham; his four grandchildren, Elijah, Aaliyah, Georgia, and Judah; his great-nephew, Elliott; and a multitude of family and friends.
Roger also leaves behind his fiancé, Angela Mullen and her family;children, William Mullen, Jr., Diego Mullen, Jaelise Mullen-Waga, Arn’geli Mullen, Arnree’ Mullen, Gina Jenkins and many grandchildren.
There will be a visitation from 4-8pm, Sunday, October 16, 2022, at Woodlawn Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 10am, Monday, October 17, 2022, in the funeral home chapel with burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com.
