Harrell William Parr Jr., known and beloved as Bill, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at his home in Kerrville, Texas, at the age of 98. Born on August 21, 1927, in Dallas, Texas, to Harrell William Parr Sr. and Edna Mae Norton, Bill lived a full and purposeful life marked by faithful service, intellectual curiosity, and deep devotion to those he loved.
On January 6, 1945, Bill married Vera Lee Satterwhite in Durant, Oklahoma, beginning a marriage that would span decades and serve as a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they built a life of meaning and commitment that inspired all who knew them.
Bill was raised and educated in Dallas, Texas, where he developed a passion for learning that would guide him throughout his life. He earned a master's degree in English with a minor in Greek from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas—a scholarly achievement that reflected his intellectual depth and his commitment to understanding the foundations of faith and language. Between 1944 and 1949, Bill served his country with honor in both the United States Army and the Merchant Marines, contributing to the cause of freedom during a pivotal time in our nation's history.
Before dedicating himself fully to ministry, Bill served the community as an employee of the United States Postal Service. However, his true calling was to pastoral work. Even while completing his education, Bill answered the call to ministry, filling pulpits for local churches and discovering his vocation as a shepherd of congregations. Throughout a distinguished career, he faithfully served as pastor to twelve churches, including First Baptist Church in Dallas; First Southern Baptist Church in Huntington Park, California; First Southern Baptist Church in Glendale, California; First Southern Baptist Church in Fresno, California; First Southern Baptist Church of Tucson, Arizona; and Little Hope Baptist Church in Canton, Texas. Through his leadership, scholarship, and unwavering faith, Bill touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on every community he served.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his cherished wife Vera Lee, and his granddaughter, Micah Danielle Hassell. He is survived by his sons, Jim Parr and Daniel Parr and his wife, Tina; his grandchildren, Jamie Ray and her husband Jason, Cody Moss and his wife Ashley, and Danlee Enzler and her husband Francis; as well as ten great-grandchildren who brought him continual joy and pride throughout his later years.
A funeral service celebrating Bill's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Grimes Funeral Home in Kerrville, Texas, with Bill Norton officiating.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Peterson Hospice for the compassionate and dignified care they provided during Bill's final days.