George Parrott Obituary

George Parrott Charleston - On July 02, 2018, this world lost one of its brightest lights! George Ichael Parrott was born on March 31, 1964, in Charleston, SC, at the "old" Medical University Hospital. On August 16, 2016, he was baptized in the "new" MUSC hospital, the Ashley River Tower (ART) by Chaplain George Rossi and he departed this life in the ART. Many of the nursing, technical and administrative staff who cared for him over the many years he was a patient at MUSC, mostly at ART, visited with him on Saturday. He fought a long, hard battle with many serious health issues. As was normal at any time George was in the hospital, his devoted mother, Betty, and Aunt Eva, were with him until he breathed his last breath. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gordon Otto and Lottie Weatherford, his biological grandmother, Maggie Mae Singletary Grooms, his beloved uncle, Gilbert Weatherford, his biological father, Vernon Parrott and an aunt, Marie Grooms McCoy. He is survived by his mother, Betty J. Weatherford Blankenship of North Charleston SC, his sister, Joyce Peggy Mae Gromely; four aunts: Ailene Fairburn (Thomas William), Eva Singletary Clement (Mommy #2), Jessie Parrott Allen (David), Dorothy Weatherford Smoak; an uncle, Nelson Weatherford; a dear friend, Elaine Erett (Mommy #3) and a number of cousins. George graduated from R. B. Stall High School. George was a very sociable person. He never met a stranger and loved to talk to just about anyone! It didn't matter if it was at a rehab center or Walmart. He just loved people in general! He loved working with the elderly and those less fortunate. He adored children and animals. He will be remembered for his heart of gold, his great sense of humor, his love of fishing and hunting, the many nostalgic stories he told about his life adventures and those with best buds, Tavis Budzynski and James David Overstreet. He loved telling stories about his Uncles Gilbert and Smoak, and his two Grandmothers, Lottie and Maggie Mae! Gilbert was not only his uncle but his big brother, his father and his best friend. He taught him all he knew about cars and other manly things. "Little April," he was there when you were born. You "had" him when you wrapped your little hand around his finger. He loved you like you were his own and so proud of your accomplishments. Reliving these memories brought him such happiness! George enjoyed many hobbies: He loved to fish! When he wasn't or couldn't fish, he'd spend time cleaning or rebuilding reels he'd bought at yard sales, which, by the way, was another of his favorite things to do. He also loved to hunt. Unfortunately, after he became disabled, he wasn't able to do much hunting but he could take his guns apart, clean/repair them and put them back together! He loved to cook. His mother taught him how to cook. She never had to worry about a dull knife in the kitchen because George was an expert at keeping knives sharpened to where "they would shave the hair off your arms!" One of their favorite things to do was to hit the farmers market and meat market on Saturday morning. He loved to shop. His mother would say that he was worse than a woman because lwhen he got in a store; he never wanted to leave! He loved music; everything from country to opera. He loved movies, specifically westerns and war movies. John Wayne was one of his favorite cowboys! He loved history: he liked nothing better than a good debate over American South History or the Civil War. Many people didn't know just how smart and talented a man he was. He was a very talented carpenter who helped build Northwoods Apartments and he helped a neighbor build his house. He not only knew the carpentry aspect of building but knew plumbing, electrical, roofing, masonry and concrete work. One of his favorite jobs was at Customs. He also worked at Gore Manufacturing, where, unfortunately, he hurt his back and became permanently disabled at a young age. George wasn't just a laborer on all of his jobs, he was promoted to Foreman because of his excellent work ethics, ability to motivate other workers and his professional skills. Last but not least, George loved and adored his mother! Oh, yes, like all families, they would have their disagreements but they took care of each other. He was always picking up things for her on his shopping trips, hoping to make her smile. He loved to take his fingers and tickle her under the chin and go, "Goochi-goo." He knew that would get to her! They loved to watch the Gathers Homecoming Gospel Show on Saturday evenings together. George was big in stature but he was a gentle giant and was quick to show simple acts of kindness when least expected. Sometimes the best witness is kindness. George Ichael Parrott may have been a simple man to some but was larger than life to many of us and will be missed by all of us who loved him so dearly. Donations may be made to St Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis TN, or MUSC Children's Hospital, Charleston SC. The relatives and friends of George Parrott are invited to attend his funeral services on Saturday, July 07, 2018 at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. Family will receive friends from 11:00-1:00pm. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston