Jean Marion Parler, Jr

Today we warmly remember Jean Marion Parler Jr; an honorable son, a kind brother, a loving devoted husband, a beloved father, and grandfather -- a friend to all who met him.

Jean Marion Parler Jr. (73) of Ridgeland, South Carolina, formerly of Holly Hill, peacefully passed away in his sleep on September 4, 2023. He was born in July 1950 in Holly Hill, the son of the late Jean Marion Parler of Holly Hill and Virgil Mae Sanders Parler of Newberry, SC.

Survived by a son, Jean Bradley Parler (wife Amanda and beloved grandchildren Celeste, Benjamin, Alissa, and Eva) of Cypress, Texas, a daughter, Rachelle L. Parler of Conroe, Texas, as well as two sisters, Naomi Reid (Chuck) of Andrews, North Carolina, and Christy Parler Hall of Ridgeland, South Carolina, and Wanda Parler (sister-in-law) of Bowman, South Carolina, Andy Myers (brother-in-law), and GW (Joey) Hall (brother-in-law), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean Marion is preceded in death by his wife Debra Renee Tidwell Parler, his parents, a sister, Nevis Myers, and a brother, Thomas Neel Parler.

Jean Marion was the second of five children in the Parler family, growing up among a strong, God-fearing family with a strong work ethic. He was known for his quiet demeanor but had the gift of making friends wherever he went. During his teenage years, Marion worked as a projectionist at the local theater and observed his father and friends tinkering with race cars and tractors. He had a talent for fixing various electronic devices and appliances, and this skill remained with him throughout his life. In later years, he developed a passion for woodworking, crafting decorative frames, and creating fly fishing lures.

After he graduated with high marks from Holly Hill High School in 1969, Jean Marion pursued an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical Educational Center in August of 1971. In 1986, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois, further advancing his career after military service.

Jean Marion's love story began when he met Debbie Tidwell during a leave in December 1977. Their love blossomed despite a mostly long-distance courtship, and they were married in December 1978. Their love was evident to all who knew them, enduring for 37 years and resulting in the joy of raising two children and being blessed with four grandchildren.

They had hoped to have their ashes mingled together in the waters of Edisto Beach, South Carolina, where they honeymooned. Plans to fulfill this wish are in progress. A stone marker will also be placed at Holly Hill Cemetery in their memory alongside the Parler family plot.

With a family history steeped in military service, Jean Marion chose to join the Air Force, enlisting in late August 1971. During his honorable service, he earned numerous Certificates of Training, Letters of Appreciation, and reached the rank of Staff/Tech Sergeant. He held a secret clearance and received the Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service for his work with Strategic Air Command. He served in various locations, including Thailand from 1971 to 1974, Bayshore STR Mi. from 1975 to 1982, and Barksdale AFB in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, from 1982 to 1986 as well as La Junta, Colorado, and San Francisco, California. 

Following his military career, Jean Marion and Debbie relocated to Conroe, Texas in 1986 near Houston, Texas. He initially taught as an electronics instructor at Ameritech Training Center from 1987 to 1991 before transitioning into the construction and electrical maintenance field. He worked for several notable companies in this field until 2016.

After the loss of his beloved wife Debbie in late 2015, Jean faced a sudden illness. But he displayed remarkable resilience and determination, relearned essential skills, and walked several miles daily. His courage and strength inspired those around him.

In 2017, Jean returned to South Carolina, residing with his youngest sister, Christy, in Ridgeland. He continued to make friends, maintained an active lifestyle, and shared his love for live music and dancing. He was involved in various community organizations and was fond of the farm animals on the property.

Jean Marion's kindness, helpfulness, and love defined his character. He was known for being skilled with household chores and cherished long conversations. He shared cherished memories of family, friends, and life experiences, offered valuable advice, and left a lasting impact on those around him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any Christian outreach ministry, pro-life education outreach, veteran support organizations, US Patriot causes, or pro-Second Amendment causes as desired.

Expressions of sympathy, love, and friendship may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.