Alex "Bobby" Parham

Alex (Bobby) Randolph Parham entered the world with a spirit full of life, faith, and fire on January 23, 1948, in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. He grew up in a close-knit family and professed his faith in Christ at an early age, becoming a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, Virginia. Bobby graduated from Southside High School, in Dinwiddie, Virginia, and worked at Phillip Morris for over 30 years. Bobby loved sports, especially basketball and baseball and he put his heart into both watching and playing. He was an outstanding pitcher for the Darville Clippers and could really strike ‘em out! He played basketball for the Country Team in Darville, VA (yes, the team was called Country) and led them to many victories. He also loved bowling and enjoyed a few rounds of golf. Bobby was a fierce competitor with confidence as bold as his smile. He felt like he could win in any game he played, and had no problem letting you know he was the best! His mental game was as formidable as his physical one, and Bobby was an excellent Bid Whist player. He talked a whole lot of smack, but you’d better believe he backed it up! He could get into his opponents’ head like a psychiatrist and confuse them to his team’s advantage. Bobby loved to joke and laugh about everything and could find the silver lining in a bad situation. He brought joy and lightness to those around him, and you could always expect a good laugh in his presence. Bobby had a passion for family history and served as the Wynn and Parham family historian for decades, preserving stories and memories with dedication and love. Bobby started his own family, bringing his sons Christopher and Derrick into the world with his wife of 46 years, Barbara Ann Morgan Parham. Bobby lived a full and vibrant life, adored by family and friends. He found love again and married Dorothy Hicks Parham, who was by his side until he departed this earthly life on July 1, 2025. Bobby was preceded in death by his son Christopher Ray Parham, his wife, Barbara Morgan Parham, and his parents, Alex and Fannie Parham. He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted wife, Dorothy H. Parham, of Richmond, Virginia; a loving son, Derrick Rondel Parham (Michelle) of Richmond, Virginia; two stepsons, James Crawley III (Haruka) of Tokyo, Japan, Jeremy Crawley (Alicia) of Decatur, GA; and eight grandchildren, Chirstopher Ray Parham Jr, of Richmond, Virginia, Christyna Ford of Smyrna, Georgia, Derrick Christopher Ellis Parham of Richmond, Virginia, Cyrus Ford of Smyrna, Georgia, Joi Crawley of Tokya, Japan, Jasmine Crawley, Jordan Crawley, and Jaida Crawley, all of Decatur, GA; four sisters, Rachel Cole of Deptford, NJ, Nancy Abdullah (Wali) of McKenney, Virginia, Gwen Chancellor (Jay) of Pittsburgh, PA, Bonita Anderson (Randall) of Greensboro, NC Virginia; two brothers, Chester Parham (Cynthia) of Warrenton, VA, Luther (Jerry) Parham of DeWitt, VA; one sister-in-law, Annie Crowder of McKenney, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss Bobby dearly. His legacy is written in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, family, and friends, all touched by his steadfastness, his smile, and his smack talk that will forever echo in the hearts of those he loved. Rest in peace, Alex (Bobby) Parham, your life was a job well done.

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Alex "Bobby" Parham

January 23, 1948 - July 1, 2025