EM's & texts for Lee (excerpts) ------------------------------ June 27, 2019 We lost a dear lifelong friend this morning when Lee Parham passed away -- unexpectedly at age 74 after a brief episode of respiratory edema. Many of us -- including me -- will find the loss of our officially designated "Class Angel" especially saddening. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Lee's wife Nancy, sister Marion, his daughters and other family members. He was a class act. Bill Herman ------------------------------ June 28, 2019 Very saddened at Lee passing. Brian Katen ------------------------------ June 28, 2019 So sorry to hear about Lee, we had a lot of good times …. Best wishes and condolences to Lee’s family. Al Hartnett ------------------------------ June 28, 2019 Lee was a kind and gentle soul, but always up for a party. I am so glad we were able to visit at our last two reunions. My heart and prayers go out to his family. Jackie (Bond) Worthy ------------------------------ June 28, 2019 It feels like we have lost another piece of our happy times in high school. I always enjoyed being around Lee. We had fun honing our dancing skills in "MODERN DANCE class" until Mrs. Roberts couldn't take it any longer and put us in retirement. The last time I saw Lee was at a get together at Congressional and afterwards we dropped in (uninvited) to say Hi to Marion. Had a few beers and then headed to one of the all-night pizza places in Arlington to celebrate old times. After a few more beers, Lee convinced me it was not safe to drive back to Richmond in the middle of the night, so I followed him home to Manassas. I am sure Nancy was surprised the next morning to find a stranger sleeping on her sofa. .So I finally met Nancy for the first time and she was very sweet and welcoming. I don't think I was the first stray that Lee had brought home. Lee will be missed but I am thankful for the friendship and memories. Henry L. Hutchison ------------------------------ June 28, 2019 This is such sad news. It seems more important than ever that we have a get together soon if anyone is interested. Allie (Fowler) Harper ------------------------------ June 28, 2019 I agree with Allie that we need to get together. Also thanks for making me an adopted member of the class of '64. Pam Lee ------------------------------ June 28, 2019 I too think that’s a great idea Allie. I will certainly try to get over for that. Sad that such a loyal and devoted member of their family and great friend has passed away. He will be missed by many. Caroline (Taylor Sorper ------------------------------ June 28, 2019 That was very sad and shocking news. I appreciate the efforts of Lee and others to keep us all in touch with each other. And, thank you for adopting me as a member of the class of 1964. Cheryl (Graves) Smothers ------------------------------ June 29, 2019 I always admired him … a really nice guy. I don't know what it was about the classes of '64 and '65 at Congressional. But they were just special. Carole (Scrivener) Sorenson ------------------------------ June 29, 2019 I spent so much time with Lee and all of the Congressional gang that I almost felt as if I went there. Lee, Nancy and I stayed close all these years. Tom and I are Laura’s Godparents and Lee and Nancy are our twin sons’ Godparents. Lee called me often and they’ve come to see us in NC. I put a little tribute to Lee on Facebook and started it by saying heaven got an angel. I did not know you all called him that. Dianna Conaty ------------------------------ June 30, 2019 In the Spring of 1964 a bunch from the soon to be graduating class of Congressional HS were at Lake Barcroft beach. I remember Brian, Pete, Nancy, Marie,and Lee were there. For some reason, Brian decided he was going to swim across the lake Pete, Lee and myself agreed it was a brilliant plan. The four of us began the venture together. Soon Brian was far ahead, Pete (rethinking the idea ) returned to shore, Lee was behind Brian and I was far behind...not that this was a race , but I was accustomed to salt water ( I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay and learned to swim young) and I saw that the other bank was much...much, much...much farther than it looked....so I paced myself. Once at the other side, it took some time before anyone spoke, Brian started back first then Lee and I . Within a few minutes, Lee was many, many yards ahead of me Every few minutes he paused as if to catch his breath. He'd dog paddle or tread water I could see him resting because from time to time I was doing same. . I thought "if he flounders can I get him ashore? Very doubtful" Finally...I could stand up and walk ashore. There was Lee watching me. He had been just fine all along...he was waiting for me to catch up... not wanting to get too far ahead of me and assuring himself that I wasn't floundering...THAT was Lee ...always concerned for others...and I deeply wish I had thanked him... no, we weren't great friends ... I will miss him dearly. Frank Dove ------------------------------ July 1, 2019 He was not just a classmate, but a gentleman and a friend. My sincere and deepest condolences to his family. I remember with fondness, Jim and I running into Lee and Mike Phillips at the Hot Shoppe on Lee Highway soon after Jim and I were married. (1968) I have always remembered that unexpected visit with a smile on my face and how much fun it was. It is always difficult to say goodbye to those for whom we care, especially when they have left us too soon. I am so grateful we attended the 50th reunion where Lee and I had a very thoughtful and informative conversation. Frances (Jullien) Liebertz ------------------------------ July 1, 2019 Really sorry to hear about the passing of Lee. You, Lee, Marion, Hutch, Frank, Brian and the rest of your class really welcomed me when I came to Congressional my junior year. I still remember seeing Lee at the last reunion and he seemed in such good shape. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family John Simon ------------------------------