Carroll Caldwell Parham

Carroll Caldwell Parham was born on July 21, 1940, in Rixeyville, Virginia, to James Parham and Louise Hill Buttler. He was raised in the Virginia countryside alongside his brothers, Stephen Parham and Jerry Hill, where the values of faith, family, hard work, and service took root early in his life.

As a child, Carroll was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church. He received part of his early education in a one-room schoolhouse and studied by candlelight, experiences that reflected both the simplicity of his beginnings and the determination that would remain with him throughout his life.

In Rixeyville, his Aunt Lizzie helped raise him. Her voice singing “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” remained with him throughout his life. It became his favorite song, a cherished reminder of where he came from and of the faith that carried him home.

As a pre-teen, Carroll moved to Washington, D.C., where he later graduated from McKinley Technology High School. He continued his education with courses at Prince George’s Community College, with a special focus on real estate.

In 1961, Carroll answered the call to serve his country and entered the United States Marine Corps, training at Parris Island, South Carolina. Baby-faced but older than many of the young Marines around him, he was teased by his fellow Marines, and his close friend Bobby Evans began calling him “Grandpappy.” Before long, it became simply “Pappy,” a name that would remain with him for life.

Carroll served honorably, and his pride in being a Marine never left him. The values of loyalty, discipline, service, and Semper Fidelis became woven into the man he was.

In 1965, Carroll began a long career in telecommunications with Western Electric. Through the years, the company evolved through major transitions, including Lucent Technologies and AT&T. Carroll remained a steady and dependable presence and eventually retired after a career marked by dedication, technical skill, and hard work. It was during his years at Lucent Technologies that Carroll met Corey Dyer, who would become one of his closest and most enduring friends.

In 1966, Carroll met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Cox, at a Halloween party. They married on April 15, 1967, and shared 54 years of marriage before Shirley’s passing. Together they built a life centered

on love, faith, laughter, and service and raised their two children, Eric Parham and Anika Edelen, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Carroll was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Family remained one of the greatest joys of his life.

After retirement, Carroll and Shirley moved to Mooresville, North Carolina, to be closer to their grandchildren. Being near family mattered deeply to him, and he cherished being present in the lives of those he loved. In 2022, Carroll returned to Maryland to live in rural Port Tobacco with his daughter Anika and son-in-law Todd Edelen. Todd became much more than a son-in-law to Carroll, adding another meaningful relationship to a life already rich with family and love.

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Faith was not something Carroll merely spoke about. It was something he lived.

He served faithfully at Antioch Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where he was a loyal member, trustee, and supporter of the church’s building fund. After moving to North Carolina, he became a devoted member of Faith Methodist Church in Mooresville, using his technical abilities to assist with wiring, sound, and technology for worship services.

Carroll also served his community through the Black Caucus in Mooresville. His heart for service, however, extended far beyond formal organizations. He was the kind of man who would provide a warm meal to someone who was hungry, give clothing to someone in need, or quietly lend a helping hand without expecting recognition. He believed deeply in forgiveness, grace, and treating people with dignity.

Carroll and Shirley also brought joy to others through music. Shirley loved to sing, and Carroll proudly supported her as “KDJ,” the karaoke DJ, operating the equipment while she encouraged others to take the microphone. Together they visited nursing homes, bringing music, laughter, and companionship to residents. Shirley may have held the microphone, but Carroll was always there making sure the music played and helping her light shine.

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Friendship was another cornerstone of Carroll’s life. He truly never met a stranger.

He loved good conversation, laughter, history, football, and a little friendly trash talk. A devoted Washington Commanders fan, Carroll could always be counted on for an opinion about the game and usually much more.

Two friendships held a special place in his heart. Bobby Evans and Corey Dyer were his very best friends, brothers in everything but blood, and each friendship lasted a lifetime.

Carroll was also president of the Friends of Distinction, a brotherhood of longtime friends who gathered year after year for their annual fish fry. For more than 25 years, the gathering brought friends and families together, and Carroll was often described as the glue that helped keep that circle connected.

At the center of it all was a man with a servant’s heart. He loved deeply, laughed freely, forgave readily, and believed that people mattered. He did not need the spotlight to make an impact. He was often happiest helping someone else shine.

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Carroll Parham entered his eternal rest on September 16, 2026, at the age of 86, at the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland, surrounded by family and his close friend Corey Dyer.

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From the farm fields of Rixeyville, to the United States Marine Corps, to a lifetime of work, family, church, friendship, music, and service, Carroll lived a life that left an unmistakable mark.

He loved the Lord. 

He loved his family. 

And he loved people.

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to describe him is also one of the truest:

Carroll “Pappy” Parham never met a stranger.

His earthly work is complete, but the love he gave so freely will continue through every life he touched.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, October 17th from 10:30 am until time of Celebration of Life at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment private.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00 am please click the link below to view service online.

The streaming will begin after the viewing has ended and there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. The volume is located in the lower right corner of the viewing screen where it says "live". As the volume is increased, all the bars should be blue.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/livestream