Wendell Parham

Wendell Carl Parham, 61, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, after a short hospital stay. He was surrounded by loved ones. Born June 21, 1965, in Holly Springs, Arkansas, to Margaret Parham, Wendell was adopted and raised by his great-grandparents, Oliver and Martha Parham. Wendell moved to Rockford in 1975 and attended Jefferson High School.

Wendell loved fishing, working on cars, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. Wendell had a great sense of humor, was a very kind-hearted and loving person, and was always willing to help others and teach you anything (fishing, fixing something, etc.) if you were willing to learn. Wendell knew everyone and couldn't go anywhere without knowing someone or making a new friend. The name Wendell means "Wanderer, Traveler, or to turn or change direction," and anyone who knew him knew he was definitely a wanderer and loved to be on the move.

Wendell leaves behind his children: Christopher Parham, Bradley Parham (Tiffany Johnson), Jalen Adams, Olivia Parham (Brennon McCoy), and Ava Cole; his grandchildren: Trenedy Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Bradley Parham Jr., Zayden Parham, Ethan Parham, Lyla Adams, Julien Adams, and Xavier McCoy; his sister, Amy Parham; nieces and nephews: Quintasha "Shay" Barmore, Dorie Black, John Parham, Corey Fuller, Matthew Johnson, Craig Neal, James McFadden, Ian McFadden, William Fuller, Mariah Neal, Willa Neal, and Katelyn Elder; great-nephews: Drelyn Black, Darius Black, Greyson Parham, and many, many more; uncles: E.J. (Luvenia) Parham, Edmund Calvin (Shirley) Parham, and Robert (Tammy) DuBoise; aunts: Angel (Gregory) Ferris and Shirley DuBoise. Wendell had a huge extended family, including his girlfriend, Joyce "Reba" Owens; good friends: Carol Smith, Anna Montemayor, Craig Neal, Jason Patterson, Shayne Patterson, among so many others; and his ex-wife and friend, Kristin Cole.

Wendell was predeceased by his Mother Margaret, brother Roy Edward Parham, grandmother Lucille DuBoise, Great grandparents Martha and Oliver Parham, and nephew Corey Fuller.

The family will have a private service for Wendell and wishes everyone to remember him in a way that is special to them. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com