Roland L. Parkhill

Retired Brigadier General Roland L. Parkhill, age 88 of Paris, TN, died Friday, October 9, 2020, at his residence.

He was born in Paris on June 11, 1932, to his parents, the late R.L. “Sonny” Parkhill and the late Lucy Rose Bomar Parkhill.  On July 2, 1955, he married Ailene Davis Parkhill, known to him as “Enie”, who survives, of Paris.

A 1949 graduate of E.W. Grove High School, General Parkhill retired from the Tennessee National Guard after more than 34 years of service.  After retiring from the National Guard, he served for eight years as the State Director of the Selective Service System.  He attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Included in General Parkhill’s military awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal W/OLC, Overseas Training Ribbon W/Numeral Device, Tennessee National Guard Distinguished Service Medal, Mississippi Magnolia Cross, and Army Aviator Badge.

During his career, he held command assignments in Lenoir City, Camden, Paris, Martin, and Nashville.  He completed three different branch qualification courses, the Command and General Staff College, Fixed Wing Aviator Course, and short courses at the Army War College, National Defense University, and the Pentagon.  He spent some time at over 50 military installations in the United States, Federal Republic of Germany, and the United Kingdom.

He served as president of the following organizations, Paris Lions Club, Paris Masonic Lodge # 108, Henry County chapter UT Alumni Association, National Guard of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities.

He was a partner in AMP Construction Company for 18 years and was the Executive Director of Paris Housing Authority for 15 years, retiring in 1997.  He served on the Board of Paris Housing Corporation for an additional 16 plus years.  He was selected Professional Secretaries International Paris Chapter, Executive of the Year in 1987.

He was one of the founders and the first chairman of the board of directors of the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center.  He was a Helping Hand volunteer for 15 years.

He was a member of First Baptist Church Paris, Friendship Sunday school class, and served on various committees in the church.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by two sons, David Parkhill of Paris, and Bryan (Lee Ann) Parkhill of Puryear, TN; one sister, Rosemary King of Paris; and one grandson, Evan Parkhill.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Jimmy Parkhill.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Tuesday, October 13, 2020, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 313 N. Poplar Street, Paris, TN 38242.  The funeral service will be Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Trent Bullock and Jimmy Williams officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be members of the Tennessee Honor Guard.  Named as honorary pallbearers are members of the Friendship Sunday school class.

Burial with Military Honors will be in Palestine Cemetery in Paris, TN

Memorials may be made to:  Palestine Cemetery Fund, c/o Betty Carter, 3245 Gate 3 Road, Paris TN 38242.