Aaron Parry, Sr.

July 18, 1947 - June 15, 2020

07/18/1947 - 06/15/2020

Aaron Parry Sr. of Charleston, WV, passed away on Monday, June 15 2020 surrounded by his family.
The words “Special” and ” one of a kind” are sometimes freely used to describe individuals. This person was truly one of those people. Each person that had any meaningful contact with Mr. Parry left with a story or memory that brought smiles to other people hearing the story. I firmly believe anyone who knew him has one of those stories, and I encourage you to tell that story today.
Aaron was born in Higbee, PA, “in a mudhole,” as he once candidly described where he grew up at. Higbee is very much in the deep country in Pennsylvania and formed the person he became. He began working in the oil & gas industry with his father, Taylor Parry, and the trade he learned as a young man became his life work. Describing him as “a hard worker” would not give him the justice that he deserved. He worked “till dark thirty” every day servicing and producing oil and gas wells. These oil and gas wells were not the cash cows we know of today, but they were the lifelines of normal folk. Along with the normal value, these wells gave secluded homes heat in the winter and fuel for cooking. As the owner of the wells, the residents depended on him if issues arose. Gas outages commonly occurred, and there were many calls in the middle of the night that involved him leaving to drive an hour away and tracking through snow or sleet to fix a problem. Many nights were frankly dangerous, and he proceeded despite warnings from his family. He looked after and cared for those people like his family.
During the 1980’s and 1990’s, the oil and gas industry was not prosperous (at least not for us). He always believed that the oil & gas industry would be forever strong. More times than I can count, I was told that “oil and gas make the world go ’round”. He continued because of conviction, and frankly he didn’t have a choice. In the hopes of a prosperous future, he made the choice to buy small oil & gas wells throughout his life. While the family sometimes struggled short term, in the end he was right. It made him proud, and it made his family proud. Minds with foresight ALWAYS deserve recognition, and this is one of them.
Mr. Parry was a firecracker. I’m sure that some of the stories you thought about include him dancing (that he passed on to his son), swiftly throwing you out of his house, or being able to transform an ugly yard into a magnificent one. Whatever the memories, these qualities made him exceptional. He will be deeply missed by his family, but his memory will forever live on.
His life was consumed by the love of his family and his oil and gas wells. In his free time, he would be found outside working in the yard and gardening. He was a long time member of the Cameron Baptist Church until relocating to Charleston, WV.
Aaron was preceded in death by his father and mother, Taylor & Mildred (Lohr) Parry and his three brothers, Alvin, Conrad and Richard Parry.
His survivors include his partner and wife, Jana (Cunningham) Parry, with whom he truly loved and was married to for 47 years.They created and raised two children, Amy and her husband, Dr. Randall Hill of Charleston, WV & Dr. Aaron Parry II and his wife Merideth of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Preston Hill, Zoe Parry & Aaron Parry III “Rock” and his brother, Ivan (Sharon) Parry of Graysville, PA.
Per Aaron’s request, private graveside services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
The family ask that all memorial contributions be made to the Cameron Baptist Church at 62 Squirrel Alley ,Cameron, WV 26033.

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Mary. Dooley
3 years ago

So sad to hear of the passing of your dad he was my back door neighbor and I loved him to the hilt he was always good to me I would sit out in the garage and talk

Margie Lucey
3 years ago

Aaron and I went to HS together, only he never showed up for classes!!! Too busy working. He was quite a character.

Lawrence "Buz" Headley
3 years ago

So sorry to hear of his passing. He was an unforgettable childhood friend and truly one of a kind. Condolences to all the family.

Alice K Dolu
3 years ago

Condolences to you Janna, Amy, and Aaron…I am sorry for your loss and may the memories of him hold him close in your heart!

Will Parry and Melissa Parry
3 years ago

We send so much love to you all!

Michelle Mincer
3 years ago

Amy, I fondly remember your father dancing with you at your wedding. It was a moment that was wonderful to see. I’m very sorry for your family’s loss. I will keep you all in my heart and prayers.

Mary Jane Dinsmore Kent
3 years ago

So sorry to learn this. Prayers for the entire family.

Anna Finnegan
3 years ago

Lots of Parry Children on Long Run who grew up and played together as one big Family. Arron was at our home often, just like Family. My Mom used to hem his pants legs. he was at Mom’s table often, as his Brothers were also. Lots of good memories. He was so proud of his Children. My prayers and love to Janna and the Kids and Grandchildren.

Alexa Parry Inghram
3 years ago

Thoughts and prayers for the Parry Family. Aaron was quite ornery in his younger years. I remember him always stopping at our house for a cup of Hot Tea before going home for the night. He will be truly missed. RIP Rocky.

Alexa Parry Inghram
3 years ago

Thought and prayers for the Parry Family. Aaron was quite a ornery guy in his younger years. Have so many memories of him stopping at our house before going home. Always had his cup of Hot Tea before going home. Arron will be truly missed.