Joe was born November 15, 1943, to Rex and Ruth (Price) Parmley in Tulsa, Okla. He passed away March 16, 2022, at the age of 78, surrounded by family at his country home near Caddo and Durant in Bryan County, Okla.
He grew up in Denison, Texas and graduated from Denison High School in 1962, where he was a Yellow Jackets’ quarterback, lettered in both football and baseball and formed lifelong bonds with his teammates. Excelling in baseball, he received a full scholarship to play baseball for Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., where he held the highest batting average for the OSU team his Sophomore year. While at OSU, Joe re-connected with his high school sweetheart, Lynette Martin. They were married in the OSU Campus Chapel on his birthday in 1963.
After OSU, he joined General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) in Lawton, Okla., where he worked for 33 years before retiring. Best friends made in Lawton became lifetime friends. While raising their family in Lawton, Joe served as a long-time volunteer coach in youth football and other sports. When daughter Kelli and son Ross participated in sports and activities, he was their devoted supporter and biggest fan. Always an athlete himself, he was an avid golfer who enjoyed years of club play and golfing trips with his golf buddies. He also played years of competitive men’s softball with several nationally recognized teams. Through sports and volunteering, Joe made many meaningful connections and lasting relationships. He also loved playing cards with friends, listening to music, dancing and spending time with family.
As “empty nesters” the Parmleys moved to Oklahoma City where Joe retired from GMAC, worked several years for Bank One, and had 15 very enjoyable years with Tinker Federal Credit Union. Joe enjoyed exploring Oklahoma City, attending activities of his grandchildren in Lawton and Tulsa, and entertaining family and friends at their home. They were members of Church of the Servant United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City.
In 2015, they retired to their country home on Nails Crossing Road in Bryan County and transferred their church membership to First United Methodist Church in Durant. Here they were blessed with wonderful neighbors and new friends. Joe will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his work with kids in youth sports, his passion for playing sports, his fun spirit with friends, co-workers and family and how deeply he loved his family.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Ruth (Price) Parmley; brothers, Gerald Price Parmley and wife Holly, and Kenneth Charles Parmley and wife Marie.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lynette (Martin) Parmley; daughter, Kelli Williams and husband, Todd, of Lawton; son, Ross Parmley and wife, Heather, of Tulsa; grandchildren: Ali (Williams) Booher and husband, Ryan, Brok Williams, Jordyn Parmley and Blake Parmley. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon (Parmley) Martin and husband, Bill, of Weatherford, Texas, beloved nephews, nieces and an abundance of friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2022at First United Methodist Church in Durant, Okla. with Dr. John Breon officiating.
Services are under the direction of Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla.
www.holmescoffeymurray.com