Richard A. Parr, age 85, of Scottsboro, AL, passed away on October 24, 2026.Mr. Parr was survived by his son, Scott Parr and the daughter-in-law he lovingly described as “the daughter-in-law he had always dreamed of”, Metta. He had one grandson who was the absolute pride of his life, Arlen Jace. Other surviving family members include his brother, Jack Parr of Gainesville, VA, Niece Kathryn Parr of Tampa, FL, Nephew David Parr of Herndon, Va, Nieces Mitzi Kuhns and Karen Holcomb, both from Chico, CA, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curren and Mildred Parr, his wife, Geraldine Chandler Parr, his brother, Donald Parr (Dean) of Morgan Hill, CA.
Richard was born April 5, 1941 in Mt. Vernon, IL. After graduating from high school, he attended engineering school at Missouri-Rolla School of Mines. From there, he took his Metallurgical Engineering degree to Huntsville, Alabama to work for NASA (Marshall Space Flight Center) where he joined alongside a team of German rocket scientists led by Wernher von Braun. His next 35 years were dedicated to the helping develop and strengthen the nation’s space program.
Richard’s true love was life in the country. He learned from kinfolks how to garden, build/maintain fences and raise a small herd of cattle. Even though it was a long commute from outside of Hollywood, Alabama to Huntsville, he felt like it was the best thing for his family and to teach his son, Scott, practical daily skills and responsibilities.
Richard spent his retirement years spending as much time possible with Scott, Metta and Arlen.
He was a member of Riverside Community Church and was a faithful attendee until the dementia started advancing in its later stages. Richard’s relationship with the Lord was deepened by the faithful teaching of the Word by Pastor Steven Barber each week.
Richard’s greatest memories were being present for anything Arlen was a part of, a trip to Israel and Jordan with his son in 2010, and most of all, sitting beside his friends and family in the church he loved. In the last few years, his faithful rescue dog, Banjo, was always by his side as they surveyed the land and looked for the next perfect stick to chew on.
The family would like to thank some very special people who helped care for Richard during his last months – Dr. Andrew Hodges, Danny and Melissa Eakin, Sherry Knight of Alley’s Senior Care, the amazing staff at Highlands Rehab, Rosewood Manor, Dekalb Regional Senior Care Center, Collinsville Nursing Home and Heartlite Hospice and the amazing youth at Riverside Community Church who were a part of this journey over the last year with Scott and provided so much love through prayers, texts and calls. The family takes much comfort in knowing Richard is with the Lord and reunited with his wife, parents and other family/friends.
There will be a private graveside service on Sunday, November 8 at 2:00pm at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.
