Dr. W. Lamar Parmer, 82, of Hamilton, GA, passed peacefully on May 8, 2024. A visitation to celebrate his life will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA, on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. A committal service will take place afterwards at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA.
Born in South Alabama, Lamar was raised by a carpenter and seamstress at West Point Pepperell Mill, where he was the eldest of four children. He began his journey in service by joining the army and leaving as an E-5 in 1964. After his military service, he pursued his passion for veterinary medicine, graduating from Auburn University in 1974. Dr. Parmer's devotion to his alma mater's football team was unwavering – War Damn Eagle!! Following his graduation, he completed his internship in Enterprise, Alabama, before settling in Columbus in 1975. There, he became a partner in Drs. Adams, Parmer, and Glass Veterinary Clinic, later joining St. Francis Veterinary Clinic, where he dedicated over three decades to the care of beloved pets. Clients often regarded Dr. Parmer as their "second pediatrician," a testament to the trust and love he inspired in both his patients and their families. Beyond his professional life, Lamar was a Master Gardener and a Grill Master Extraordinaire. He learned his love for plants from his mother, nurturing African Violets, daylilies, and hibiscus with the same care he showed to his patients. Grilling was another hobby that he enjoyed very much. He collected grills and smokers for every day of the week. His culinary skills were legendary, delighting family and friends with his Brunswick stew, boiled peanuts, and country vegetables. In his leisure time, Lamar found joy in fishing with his grandchildren and cheering on his wife enthusiastically at horse shows and tennis matches. His zest for life and genuine kindness touched all who knew him. Dr. W. Lamar Parmer leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and joy. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
Dr. Parmer was preceded in death by his mother, Miriam Baxley Parmer Charping; father, Marion Wilson Parmer; sister, Lynette Tharpe; brother, Ladon Parmer; and a dear niece and nephew.
Dr. Parmer was survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Charlotte “Cha Cha” Parmer; sister, Lathaniel Wells; children, Alan Parmer (Teri Medina), Karla Childree (Michael), Dana Hutto (Jeremy), and Jeremy Auestad; grandchildren, Trey Childree (LeAnn), Chance Parmer, Caleb Padilla, Cameron Padilla, and Kyler Manning; and great-grandchildren who adored their great papa, Jayden Childree, Braylen Childree, and Madelyn Childree.
