More detail on this person: Bernard A. Parr,
70, passed away on his own terms on January 26,
2017 in Huntsville, AL, after several years of
defying the prognosis for his end stage heart
disease and emphysema. He was born on Aug 28,
1946 in Catonsville, MD to Dr. William Parr and
Mildred Pohlhaus.
Bernard, or Bernie as he was affectionately called
by friends and family, is survived by Clair, his
loving wife of 50 years, three children, four
grandchildren, four siblings and countless nieces
and nephews.
Bernie grew up in Catonsville, MD, attended St.
Marks Parochial School, Calvert Hall College High
School and then graduated from Catonsville High
School in 1964. He was a Certified VW Mechanic.
He started dating his soon-to-be-wife Clair before
enlisting with the Army in 1966. Bernie attended
basic training at Fort Polk, LA, and flight school
at Fort Wolters and Fort Rucker. Bernie and Clair
married at the Church of the Ascension Catholic
church on December 26, 1966.
Upon graduating from flight school, Bernie
attended Aviation Maintenance Officer's Course at
Fort Eustis, VA, followed by his first tour of
duty in Vietnam, 1967-1968, as a Warrant Officer
assigned to the 162nd Assault Helicopter
Company. He was next stationed at Hunter Army
Airfield in GA before returning to Vietnam for his
second tour, 1970 - 1971, with Charlie Troop, 1st
Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division
(Airmobile) as the maintenance officer. Bernie's
many awards include three Bronze Stars and the
Distinguished Flying Cross. He was then assigned
to Fort Eustis for the Transportation Officer
Advanced Course, then the Readiness Group at
Fort Lewis, WA. Bernie graduated Suma Cum
Laude in 1975 from Saint Martin's College in
Olympia, WA. He then transferred to Fort
Wainwright, AK. After four years fishing and
canoeing the Alaskan wilderness, Bernie was
transferred to Redstone Arsenal, AL, where he
worked R&D on the MLRS system before taking
command of Special Troops Battalion. His final
assignment was with the Ballistic Missile Defense
Systems Command before retiring from the Army in
1986.
Bernie was a charter member of the Tennessee
Valley Fly Fishers and turned his love of fishing
into his own business, The Fisherman's Choice,
later changing the name to North Alabama
Outdoors. Bernie shared his love of the outdoors
with everyone he could, sponsoring events for the
National Wild Turkey Foundation and getting
heavily involved in Scouting. He introduced many
to canoeing, fishing, archery, black powder, and a
healthy respect for cast iron cooking and a
morning cup of fresh brewed coffee. His knowledge
of wood working may have influenced the outcome
of more than a few pine wood derbies.
Bernie started his own custom rod building
business, joined the Knights of Columbus, and in
2006 joined Yulista Aviation, Inc where he later
became the Director of Aviation Quality
Management, a position he maintained until the
end. In 2009, Bernie found a way to express his
love for his military brothers by becoming a
founding member of Save Our Flying Heritage and
helping found the North Alabama Chapter of the
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.
Bernie was diagnosed with emphysema in 2006,
and later with congestive heart failure in 2009.
This did not stop him. In complete defiance of
every diagnosis, Bernie continued to push through
life with dedication, tenacity, and passion until
reaching a goal he was determined to make. On
December 26th, 2016, Bernie and Clair celebrated
their 50th anniversary. One month later, to the
day, Bernie decided it was time to go Home. He
enjoyed one final bowl of his favorite ice cream
and then passed peacefully in the loving arms of
his family.
This information was last updated 01/30/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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