In Memory of Charles Parra

June 21, 1955 - December 25, 2020 Templeton, California

Charles Patrick Parra age 65 passed away early Christmas morning following a lengthy illness, in Templeton CA. Chuck was born in Fayetteville NC where his father was stationed as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, but he was a native son of California. He spent his life between the L.A. area and San Luis Obispo, where his family settled in the mid 1960's.

Chuck was a fifth generation native of San Luis on his mother's side, and his Ancestry in CA can be traced back to the Chumash of the Channel Islands As well as the first Americans to come with John Freemont and the California Battalion during the Mexican War of 1846. He graduated from San Luis High in '74 and went on to serve as a medic in the United States Army. He was stationed in Bamberg Germany as well as several bases in the US. When he was honorably discharged from Fort Carson CO he returned to the Central Coast. He worked locally as a Nurses Aid and in Manufacturing and became a skilled mechanist.

A trip with his paternal grandfather to Aravaipa Canyon AZ when he was young influenced him the rest of his life. Tales of his great, great grandfather (a full blooded Opata) who knew Geronimo and Cochise inspired his lifelong love of books and history. Chuck also had a passion for fishing and camping and B-B-Q's with family and friends.

Chuck had many friends and relatives in San Luis and L.A. He leaves behind his wife of 15 years, Paula, his son Mike and grandson Eric, his brothers Rick (Judy) of San Luis, Bob (Heidi) of Atascadero, and Mike of Morro Bay, a niece Katie, an aunt, an uncle, God Mother Rosie and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Jane Salazar and father Gilbert Joseph Parra.

His request was for no services, a private ceremony will be held following cremation.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Jan. 8, 2021.