1923 – 2013
John Bill Parmley, MD entered Heaven at 7:10 PM on April 14, 2013. He was welcomed by his son, John Thad, his parents, Dr. & Mrs. T H Parmley, his brother, Ralph Parmley, and many friends and colleagues. He was 90 years of age. Left to praise his memory are Catherine Cripps Parmley, his devoted wife and best friend, his daughters, Jodi Parmley, Jennifer Parmley Robinson (Pastor Stephen), and Patricia Parmley, and seven perfect grandchildren, Katie, Jack, and Aimee Sunseri; Isabelle, Conrad, William, and Annaliese Robinson.
Dr Parmley directed the department of anesthesia at Hotel Dieu Hospital, New Orleans LA for 33 years. He was a member of the faculties of Tulane and LSU Medical Schools. He began the first pain clinic at Charity Hospital of New Orleans, and published many articles and one of the first books on recovery rooms. He began the anesthesia department at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston Texas. Dr. Parmley was a diplomate of The American Board of Anesthesiology and a fellow of The American College of Anesthesiologists. His love of the outdoors was well known. Many were entertained by his hunting and fishing experiences. A favorite tale was his African safari adventures. He did “sick call” in many native villages. Second only to his great pride in his children and grandchildren, Dr Parmley took great pride in being a native of Texas and a graduate of Tulane Medical School ’46. He donated his body to the Tulane School of Medicine. So even in death, Dr Parmley will continue to teach.
He served two years active duty in the US Navy and eleven years in the Naval Reserves. Upon retiring in 1985, Dr Parmley filled his days with fishing, shrimping, and building wonderful toys for his grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2013 4PM at Christwood Retirement Community, Covington, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hospice Programs of St Tammany Parish Hospital and North Oak Hospital will honor Dr. Parmley’s memory. The family wishes to thank the CNA’s who cared for him in the past two months. They were truly the “angels” that Dr Parmley named them.
Published in The Times-Picayune from April 17 to April 19, 2013