Thurmond Charles Parr

Thurmond Charles Parr, Jr. did finish his sojourn on Earth on Sunday, June 3, 2001, as he had lived, seeking to be the Victor over insurmountable odds. Charles was born November 1, 1925 in Winchester, Texas, the first-born of Thurmond Charles and Jewel Hubbard Parr. He received his elementary and secondary education in his birthplace. Graduating as Valedictorian of his high school class, Charles pursued his higher education in San Antonio, receiving his B.B.A. in Accounting, cum laude. Charles married his college sweetheart Dorothea Ann Do Ann Pfanstiel September 15, 1951. Drafted into the United States Army in September 1950, Charles served as a non-commissioned officer for one year before selection to infantry officer candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia, completing his active service as a First Lieutenant in September, 1953. In January 1960, Charles began his firm, Thurmond C. Parr, Jr. and Co., CPAs, where he continued to practice public accounting until the time of his death. Charles was chair of the St. Mary's University accounting department, where he earned the respect and admiration of his students. Anticipating growth of San Antonio north of Bitters Rd. and Hwy. 281, Charles organized a group of local businessmen for the purpose of establishing, and personally secured the charter for San Pedro State Bank now Wells Fargo in 1974. He served as president and chairman of the board until the time of the bank's initial sale. Charles was an ordained Baptist Deacon, who with his wife Do Ann, taught the Bible to 15-year olds, Young Marrieds, and concluded his Bible teaching with men who were his seniors. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of San Antonio, a Knight Templar, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Confederacy, the Texas Society of CPAs, and the American Institute of CPAs. Charles is survived by wife, Do Ann, son Thurmond Charles Parr, III and daughter-in-law Alisa Ann Key Parr, son, Richard Marshall Parr and daughter-in-law Kristeen Marie Cone Parr, and adored grandchildren Caroline Elizabeth and William James Marshall Parr. Also, survived by three sisters, three brothers, and a beloved childhood friend and third cousin, Miss Mary Margaret Hardy. He was a visionary and was loved by all who took the time to truly know him and will be missed greatly. Do Ann, Charles, III and Richard appreciate the loving and professional care of Charles by the physicians, nurses and other health professionals at CTRC and the oncology wing at Southwest Methodist Hospital.