Gary W. Parton

January 3, 1953 ~ July 13, 2013
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Gary Wayne Parton, 60, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2013, surrounded by many family and friends who loved him and felt like better people just by knowing him.
Gary was a native of Kingsport, Tenn., a son of Thelma Barrett Parton of Tifton, GA and of the late Wayne Andrew Parton. Gary was a 1972 graduate of T.C. Roberson High School and a tech in the Endoscopy Department at Mission Hospital and he loved music of practically any type and in any location. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and positive disposition.
In addition to his mother, Gary is survived by his soul mate, who was his partner in a fairytale marriage and one with whom he loved to share many sunsets, sunrises and rainbows for over 42 years, his wife, Carolyn Bates Parton; his daughter, Amy Grace and her husband, Rob, of Fletcher and Gary's greatest joy in life, their daughter, Sarah. He is also survived by three sisters, Lynda Aistrop and her husband, Danny, of Blountville, Tenn, Sue Hollifield of Mills River and Sharon Scott and her husband, Jeff, of Tifton, GA, along with a daughter-in-heart, Trena Murphy and her husband Wesley and their children, Ashley, Tyler and Zack of Greenville, SC; a brother-in-law, Ricky Bates and his wife Anita, of Hendersonville; many nieces, nephews and cousins, whom he loved dearly and Gary's friend, Mike Blankenship, who was more like a brother to him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with the Reverends Keith Dockins and David Ingram officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 pm Wednesday at the funeral home on Long Shoals Road. Pallbearers will be Mike Blankenship, David Weeke, Rick Gray, Matthew Bates and Wesley and Tyler Murphy.
Dear Carolyn, Amy and Sarah, My heart is breaking for each of you. I only knew Gary through Amy and every time I seen him at work dropping off Sarah, he always had a smile on his face. Listening to Amy talk about her ‘Daddy’ made me feel as if I knew him personally. I know he is no longer suffering and I pray that will give you all peace and comfort knowing this. You all will remain in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless Each Of You!
I had the pleasure of working with Gary at Biltmore in parking and transportation. My thoughts are with you all.
so sorry for your loss may god be with you all in your time of need
I am so sorry for your loss, he was a really good man. I will keep your whole family in my prayers. God Bless you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I worked with Gary for several years at Nova. When my wife and I moved into his parents old neighborhood, Gary’s knowledge of the people living there helped us learn how to care for our neighbors. Our prayers are with you.
Gary will be missed! He was a Blessing – always willing to help, great friend & co-worker, Godly family man. He could brighten a room with his smile and love of life. Truly one of the greatest men I have been Blessed with getting to know. Best ‘Santa’ and I think of Gary every time I see a Santa. My prayers are with each of you at this most difficult time. God be with you all.
My heart and prayers are with my dear cousin, Carolyn and her family and the family of Gary. I pray that our God will give them the strength to get through this painful time. Treasure your precious memories spent with your beloved Gary. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carolyn, Sharon & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers.
Ruth Carr Baldwin
In loving memory of a true friend who will be missed greatly by his family this side of the pond. Life will be sadder without you here Gary, but you will remain, as always, in our hearts and in our memories. xxx
So very sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts.
My God comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Gary was a great man and will be missed. I am so blessed that I had the pleasure to work with him. My life will forever be touched by his kindness.
DEAR FAMILY GARY,
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GARY PASSING BUT GOD KNOWS BEST,I STILL
WAYNE AND THE FOLKS, MAY GOD BLESS
ALLOF YOU WITH LOVE,
DAVID AND PEGGY GENTRY
DEAR FAMILY GARY,
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GARY PASSING BUT GOD KNOWS BEST,I STILL
WAYNE AND THE FOLKS, MAY GOD BLESS
ALLOF YOU WITH LOVE,
DAVID AND PEGGY GENTRY
DEAR FAMILY GARY,
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GARY PASSING BUT GOD KNOWS BEST,I STILL
WAYNE AND THE FOLKS, MAY GOD BLESS
ALLOF YOU WITH LOVE,
DAVID AND PEGGY GENTRY
Your Richmond Family loves you so much!!! We are sending love and light to you.Our prayers are with constantly.
Carolyn, My heartfelt sympathy is extended to you. I was blessed to get to ‘know’ you through FB, and felt a kindred spirit between us. My memory of Gary will always be the kind and sweet 16 year old I knew from school, you were blessed to know the man he became and I know that your heart will go on but with a void that nothing will fill. You and Gary were a special couple, rare these days. I pray those happy memories fill the dark days and bring a smile to your face even when tears won’t stop falling. I hope to keep in touch with you and my prayers will continue for you and your daughter and all the family. May God comfort you and give you a peace that passes all understanding. Love and Prayers, Margaret
Gary, you will be missed so much.
Carolyn & Amy, words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for you and your entire family. I am heartbroken for your loss. However, your family’s love is an inspiration and that love will be always present. Gary will be with you – guiding you, protecting you, and loving you – from Heaven. We love you and will be here for you too.
Dear Lynda and family Our heartfelt love for you during this sad time. Just remember our prayers are with you. God Bless Pastor Billy and Belle
Dear Lynda and Family…Just wanted to tell you I am thinking and praying for your family through this time. Will always remember Gary as a school friend from Cedar Grove and Ketron High School. It is wonderful to connect with you after all these years. We none know what tomorrow holds, but we sure know who holds all the tomorrows. Love you as a friend and a Sister in Christ…Linda Forrester Robinson
Carolyn & Amy,
Words can not make you feel better or take the pain that you are both under. I am blessed to have you guys in my life and to have so many memories of you guys in my childhood. You guys are both in my thoughts and prayers!! I love you both!
Dearest Carolyn,
This is a sorrowful time, but this circumstance can only cause a brief parting from the love of your life, of your eternity… Only God knows what his plans are, but please know that you are a precious, much-loved, vital part of your family and friends, who look to you to help carry the love forward. Let them lean on you, and lean on them, too…knowing that each moment is so precious and that Gary is safe in God’s arms now, waiting for the beginning of your eternity together.
I admire you for your amazing courage and strength in helping Gary through this time that we all must face. God Bless You !!
Love, Shirley Chambers
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great man. I enjoyed taking care of him in the hospital and meeting him and all of his wonderful family. I hate that he had to leave us so soon but he is not suffering anymore with cancer and we will see him again someday. Praying for you all. Jessica
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great man. I enjoyed taking care of him in the hospital and meeting him and all of his wonderful family. I hate that he had to leave us so soon but he is not suffering anymore with cancer and we will see him again someday. Praying for you all. Jessica
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great man. I enjoyed taking care of him in the hospital and meeting him and all of his wonderful family. I hate that he had to leave us so soon but he is not suffering anymore with cancer and we will see him again someday. Praying for you all. Jessica
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great man. I enjoyed taking care of him in the hospital and meeting him and all of his wonderful family. I hate that he had to leave us so soon but he is not suffering anymore with cancer and we will see him again someday. Praying for you all. Jessica
Carolyn, Amy & Family
There is peace in knowing love never leaves, it lives within our hearts. With Deepest Sympathy.
Linda Church
Gary was a great guy and had a heart of gold. The world has lost a wonderful man, but heaven has become more beautiful.
My prayers are with you all for strenght and comfort.
Love you!
Life was way too short for you my brother. There will always be a special place for you in my heart. You will never be forgotten and I am so looking forward to spending eternity with you. I love you, Sharon
We will miss Gary. He always had a smile on his face and made everyone feel welcome. He was my daughter’s first Santa and looked forward to that every year at the Nova Christmas parties. Our thoughts will be with the family. Love you and God Bless.
Carolyn and Amy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please remember that I am here for you.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.GARY WAS A WONDERFUL HUSBAND,DAD,GRANDPA AND FRIEND.ALTHOUGH HE WILL BE MISSED WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT HE IS NOW WITH THE ANGEL’S AND NO LONGER IN PAIN.
WE LOVE YOU ALL PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. WE LOVE YOU!
RANDY, TONI, AND FAMILY
Carolyn,our thoughts and prayers are with you and Amy, and the family during this difficult time.
With my deepest sympathy.MsCarolyn, may you find comfort in knowing that Jesus is the ultimate Healer, and may our HEAVENLY FATHER encompass his LOVING CARING ARMS AROUND YOU and your FAMILY during this time of sorrow. Gary was a great man and he will be missed. Love You
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for your entire family. May God’s grace and comfort be with you.
Carolyn, my heart goes out to you. I wasn’t aware of Gary’s condition. You both have been in my prayers. I pray that Gods peace fills your heart. God Bless You and your family. I love you.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO YOU AND THE FAMILY THRU THIS TIME TIMES HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE LOOKING DOWN OVER YALL AND KEEPING YALL SAVE WE LOVE YOU AND THE FAMILY , JACK & LINDA BUTLER , TONY BUTLER
Carolyn and family. I am so sorry about Garry passing. I feel so sad for you and the family, Sorry that I was not able to see you right away, I just couldn’t get off work on time for the services( as I get off at 7:00) to see you guys. I hope you know that I have you in my prayers. Again I am very sorry.Love,Susan
I am so thankful that I got to spend time with Gary, Carolyn, Amy, and Sarah before God called him home. Just to listen to Gary tell a story, to hear his contagious little chuckle, and to see his beautiful smile is priceless and will remain in my heart forever. I have so many treasured memories over the past 42+ years with Carolyn and Gary. Carolyn–you and Amy had such unbelievable courage and strength during Gary’s illness. His ‘Celebration of Life’ was phenomenal. May God help to ease your pain with each passing day. I love you all so very much and I am here for you. I love you and miss you Gary–until we meet again my dear friend.