John Charles Parry

John “Jack” Charles Parry, 95, of Decatur, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, the 24th of April at his home. He was born in Windsor, Connecticut on August 17, 1922 to the late Henry Parry and Josephine Ryan Parry. He was preceded in death by his wife, Tilda Wishon Parry, in 2013 after 70 years of marriage. Jack was the 3rd son of 4 boys. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Carroll Parry, William Parry, and Jim Parry.

He graduated from John Fitch High School in Windsor and, after the outbreak of WWII, was drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon finishing basic training, he was sent to Lawson General Hospital in Chamblee, Georgia for advanced medical training. While on a short Sunday afternoon leave, he met the love of his life and future wife Tilda Wishon. Following a short courtship, they were married in Aurora, Colorado. Two weeks later, he departed for a 27-month tour of duty in China, Burma, and India as a Tech Sergeant in one of the first portable surgical hospitals. He was one of the few men left in the Greatest Generation there ever was.

He was honorably discharged from the Army at Camp Gordon in Chamblee on Christmas Eve 1945, and shortly thereafter began a career in the paper folding box business. He retired 40 years later, having held various management positions at National Paper Company, Sonoco Products Company, International Paper, and Simkins Industries. He was active in several industry associations including TAPPI (Technical Association of the Paper and Pulp Industry).

Jack was a true gentleman, always helping others while never worrying about himself. Though soft spoken, he was a true leader with his family, church, and work. His love for family was paramount in his life. He served as a Deacon and Chairman of the Board of Deacons for Eastside Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia under Rev. Guy C. Rainwater.

He is survived by his son, Dale (Paulette) Parry, of Decatur, daughter Donna (Randy) Curles of Chamblee, grandchildren Contressa Adamson of Milton, Florida, Jason Curles of Dunwoody, Georgia, Nathan Parry of Palmer, Alaska, Alyson Potts of Buford, Georgia, and Lori Curles of Brunswick, Georgia. His also is survived by his great-grandchildren; Jack Curles and Kate Curles. Additionally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral will be held at Patterson Funeral Home, Oglethorpe Hill in Brookhaven, Georgia on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ron Hughes officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011 or alz.org. Online condolences may be made at www.hmpattersonoglethorpe.com.