Raymond Torvie Parrott, 80, a longtime resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, died September 12, 2019 at the Nathan Adelson Hospice after a prolonged illness.
He was born December 5, 1938 in Cleburne County, Arkansas in a log cabin to Jake O. and Jessie Pearl (Tidwell) Parrott. He married the love of his life, Joyce Halling, December 29, 1962 in Hanston, Kansas.
Ray or Torvie as many knew him, served proudly in the Navy and then went to college. He attended Dodge City Community College and Wichita State University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Saint Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas in 1971. He then completed a Master of Science degree in Education in 1975 at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. He taught in many schools across Western Kansas and influenced countless lives as a teacher, coach, mentor, principal and superintendent. In 1989, he retired from school administration and relocated the family remaining at home to Las Vegas. He embarked on a second career as a croupier. (Look it up!) He really enjoyed interfacing with the public and sharing his particular brand of humor at the table.
He loved his family and friends, sharing his love of his second home, Las Vegas, with all who came to visit. He also loved going to movies and the many restaurants available around town. As his health declined, he found a way to stay connected through Facebook, sharing his love of old country music, playing games and making friends with people all around the world. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh when he got really tickled about something.
Ray is survived by his wife of 56+ years, Joyce of Las Vegas; daughter Monica Scrudder of Gig Harbor, Washington; son Greg (Stefanie) of LaCrosse, Kansas; son Scott of Las Vegas; son Richard (Eva) of Hays, Kansas; daughter Jennifer York (Daren) of Scott City, Kansas; daughter Myrna of Las Vegas; 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; sisters Wanda Abernathy (Robert) of Hutchinson, Kansas; Linda Rehmert of Eufala, Oklahoma; Brenda West of Corinth, Mississippi; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jake O. and Jessie Pearl Parrott; his brother Andrew; a half-sister Opal Woodam; granddaughter Alexa Leigh Whalen; daughter Janelle Parrott Whalen; and son Michael Brett.
Remembrances can be sent to Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery, 7600 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 10:30am at Christ the King Catholic Community, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118. Interment will be Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 1:00pm at Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery, 7600 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123.