Blanton Hunter Parham

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Blanton Hunter Parham, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2020 at his home in Oxford, MS surrounded by family. The graveside service will be held Monday, July 20, 2020 at 10:00 AM in the Amory Masonic Cemetery in Amory, MS with the Rev. Eddie Rester of OUUMC officiating. Due to Covid, all guests are requested to wear face masks and casual clothing due to the hot weather at the cemetery. Pallbearers will be his beloved godsons, Bill and Rodney Defenbaugh of Grenada, MS, Douglas and Draper Mauldin of Cacilla, MS, and John Mayoral, Deck Fair and Hunter Darby, all of Oxford, MS, Ted Kubista of Huntsville, AL, and Joel Carson of Grenada, MS.  Honorary pallbearers will be John Lewis of Water Valley, MS, Mack Johnson of Augusta, GA, Bob Tompkins of Madison, MS, Jim Sineath of Burlington, NC, John Willingham of Tyler, TX, Art Bresler of Oxford, MS and all of his faithful golf buddies from his “happy place” at the Bayou BenD: Doug Mauldin, Mike (Catfish) Flautt, Sykes Sturdivant, Bill Luckett and Morgan Freeman. Waller Funeral Home is charge of arrangements.

After a very courageous battle with the aftereffects from chemotherapy for the last 21 years, Hunter had been recently diagnosed with a third cancer. To everyone, he was the most courageous person fighting to the end and always upbeat despite his numerous health issues. Hunter was Born March 30, 1941 in Paynes, MS to Robert and Dorothy Denman Parham who preceded his in death. He graduated from John Rundle High School in Grenada, MS and Delta State University in Cleveland, MS where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Hunter left MS for Florida, teaching art but soon discovered his true calling was in sales and worked for several companies covering the entire Southeast living in Chattanooga and Augusta before returning to his home state. Working in those areas gave Hunter plenty of time to pursue his passion for golf. He served as a gallery guard at the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA, often getting to play the course. After returning to Grenada, he married the love of his life, Bettye Jo Christian on November 14, 1996. Anyone who ever met Hunter became his friend as he had an incredible love for people, especially on any and every golf course he ever played. After moving to Oxford, ten years ago, he joined the Oxford Country Club and Oxford-University United Methodist Church. However, his true happy place was at the Bayou Bend Country Club in Webb, MS. His cheerful demeanor and his signature cowboy hat were easily recognizable. Hunter converted to an Ole Miss Rebel enjoying all sports, especially baseball with his wife who shared his enthusiasm. His true joy and delight were in his grandchildren. Their visits, activities and achievements were a great source of happiness to him. His great granddaughter, Maddie, particularly enjoyed riding to sporting events on Hunter’s wheelchair as she was in charge of the horn!

He is survived by his wife Bettye of Oxford, MS; stepsons, Robert Hollingsworth (Ronnie Gilmer) of Memphis, TN and LTC (Ret.) Andy Hollingsworth (Dana) of Grenada, MS; stepdaughter, Karen Hollingsworth of Seabrook, TX; grandchildren, Jake Hollingsworth (Starr) of Oxford, MS, Cadet Bas Hollingsworth off West Point Military Academy, West Point, NY, Luke Hollingsworth of Grenada, MS, Olivia Hollingsworth of Seabrook, TX; and great granddaughter, Maddie Hollingsworth of Oxford, MS; endearing sister, Nadene Tompkins of Madison, MS; niece, Allyson Tompkins of Madison; great nieces, Sara Grace, Olivia and Ella Harrison of Madison, MS; and nephew, Michael Tompkins of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He was very close to his many cousins.

Bettye and the family would like to especially thank Dr. Mal Riddell of Grenada for his care and friendship these past twenty-three years. “Mal, Susie, and his staff were always there for us.”

Memorials may be directed to Oxford-University United Methodist Church, 424 S 10th St., Oxford, MS 38655; MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, TX or a charity of one’s choice.

For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please call 662.234.7971 or visit www.wallerfuneralhome.com.ALL YOUR HEART, HUNTER—WE WILL MISS YOU!