by Kelly Reeves
Charles R. Parmley was born July 28, 1944 in Corpus Christi, Texas. As a small child, his family moved to Van Zandt County, Texas where he was raised and graduated from Van High School before continuing his education at Stephen F. Austin University. The next 46 years were spent teaching Ag Science at Bullard, Robert E. Lee, and John Tyler High Schools in Smith County, Texas leaving his mark on too many students to count.
I first saw his big smile and heard his booming voice in 1984 as I entered the Ag Science building for the first time my freshman year of high school. His personality did not demand respect; but made us all desire to earn his approval. He was the kind of teacher that students were drawn to. He always set an example of hard work and dedication to whatever task was at hand, and required the same effort from his students.
Charles’ devotion to helping his students learn, matched the student’s dedication to learning. Charles was committed to stay after school, work on Saturdays, or do whatever it took to make a student successful, as long as the student gave it his or her all. Mr. Parmley had a unique way to inspire students to work hard and be the best they could be. The words ‘good enough’ weren’t known to Charles. He never allowed us to settle for good enough. Charles pushed us to strive for perfection and reach our full potential in everything we did. He truly wanted all of his students to grow into successful, productive adults. Charles also had a special way to inspire us to behave. It only took me one lesson on the receiving end of his paddle before I learned exactly how I was expected to act.
Charles Parmley was not only devoted to his career and his students, he was a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandpa, and friend. He was well known as the ‘go-to guy’ when a problem arised. He truly loved helping people, and none more-so than his former students. He was the Chairman of the Junior Dairy Cattle Show at the East Texas State Fair for many years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Smith County Farm Bureau, and was the President of the Lone Star Antique Tractor and Engine Association for the last 30 plus years. He was called home to be with the Lord on September 28, 2024, and left this world doing what he loved most. Charles was helping a neighbor by mowing a field for him, using an antique Farmall tractor when the Lord called him home. I believe there was not a more fitting place for him to take his last earthly breath.
Mr. Parmley’s influence and friendship made a lasting impact on me and untold numbers of other students over his career. The friendship between he and I continued for the rest of his life, 40 years after my first class with him. We shared a love for the Lord, of family, antique tractors, and cattle, among other things and spent many hours visiting about them all. Over the years, there were many times that a question would arise while I was restoring an antique tractor. I called Charles to ask for advice and was met with the same answer every time, “Just take a break and I’ll be right there.” It wasn’t long until he’d arrive and work out the issue. That’s the kind of man he was. Charles was honest to the core, and as they say, “ sometimes the truth hurts.” I am often reminded of a time several years ago that I bought 25 dairy cross heifers in the early spring. I thought I had made a great deal on these calves and was soon to hit a big pay day. I told Charles what I’d done in a bragging fashion. He looked over my new herd and his reply was, “What did you buy those for? They were cheap because no one else would have them.” Another time I had some cross bred beef yearlings and Charles came over to help me choose the ones to cull. I showed him my pick of the calves to sell. He said, “That’s exactly what I’d do … if I was trying to go bankrupt.” Charles was absolutely correct both times. I clearly recall him saying to me, “Listen Boy. You have to have a plan. Then, you have to execute the plan. If you do those two things, you’ll do fine. The trick is that you can’t start off with a bad plan!” His words of wisdom come to me often, and I share the same words with my kids when the chance comes up.
Everyone who knew Charles Parmley has stories of his help, his humor, his sharing of wisdom, and life lessons learned from him. The loss of Mr. Parmley will leave a hole in the hearts of many, but the memories of a wonderful man and the full life he lived will be cherished by all that knew and loved him.
